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International Dance Competition
Dance Open America Spain
Dance Open America has the pleasure to announce our second International Regional Competition in Spain,Madrid Aranjuez in partnership with Fundacion SMEDIAN group and El Teatro Real Carlos III of Aranjuez. February 9 - 12 of 2023. Welcome Spain and countries near by.
Aranjuez was declared a World Heritage Site by Unesco in December 2001. Aranjuez is a Spanish municipal located in the south of Madrid with a great history related to the Queen and King Of Spain. The city that can be visited in one day, which is located 62 kilometers south of Madrid and is bathed by the Tagus River.
THE SPAIN JURY 2023 SEASON
Estela Alonso
Estela Alonso (Madrid,1991) en la actualidad es bailarina solista del Ballet Nacional de España del que forma parte desde 2015.
Desde que en 2009 obtuviese la titulación de grado medio en el Real Conservatorio Profesional de Danza Mariemma hasta su incorporación al BNE ha trabajado con diversas compañías interpretando roles solistas como la Cía. Antonio Márquez, Cía. Daniel Doña, Rojas y Rodríguez, Emilio Ochando y Cía y Enclave Español.
En 2013 obtuvo el premio Bailarina Sobresaliente en el Certamen de Danza Española y Flamenco de Madrid con “A mi manera”. Gracias a esta coreografía de creación propia ha tenido la oportunidad de volver a llevar la escuela bolera a diferentes tablaos como Tablao Villa Rosa, Tablao los Porches y Corral de la Moreria. En este último trabajando junto a Jesús Carmona con el espectáculo “Camino”.
En 2021 crea el espectáculo “A mi manera 2.0” para su participación en la Gala Suma Flamenca Joven en los Teatros del Canal, con dicho espectáculo también ha participado en el Festival Circuito Bucles y en la entrega de premios del Instituto Autor.
Como fiel defensora y difusora de la escuela bolera realiza numerosos cursos y masterclass a nivel nacional e internacional en diferentes conservatorios y escuelas.
Desde que en 2009 obtuviese la titulación de grado medio en el Real Conservatorio Profesional de Danza Mariemma hasta su incorporación al BNE ha trabajado con diversas compañías interpretando roles solistas como la Cía. Antonio Márquez, Cía. Daniel Doña, Rojas y Rodríguez, Emilio Ochando y Cía y Enclave Español.
En 2013 obtuvo el premio Bailarina Sobresaliente en el Certamen de Danza Española y Flamenco de Madrid con “A mi manera”. Gracias a esta coreografía de creación propia ha tenido la oportunidad de volver a llevar la escuela bolera a diferentes tablaos como Tablao Villa Rosa, Tablao los Porches y Corral de la Moreria. En este último trabajando junto a Jesús Carmona con el espectáculo “Camino”.
En 2021 crea el espectáculo “A mi manera 2.0” para su participación en la Gala Suma Flamenca Joven en los Teatros del Canal, con dicho espectáculo también ha participado en el Festival Circuito Bucles y en la entrega de premios del Instituto Autor.
Como fiel defensora y difusora de la escuela bolera realiza numerosos cursos y masterclass a nivel nacional e internacional en diferentes conservatorios y escuelas.
Yolanda Correa
Yolanda Correa was born in Cuba and studied in the Vocational School of Art Holguín and in
the Cuban State Ballet School Havana.
She has worked in several international ballet companies. From 2000 till 2010 she danced in
the National Ballet of Cuba Havana, being Principal Dancer from 2005 on. In 2009 she danced
with Víctor Ullate Ballet. From 2010 until 2018 she was Principal Dancer in the Norwegian
National Ballet Oslo.
Since 2018 she is the Principal Dancer of the Staatsballett Berlin.
She has received several awards:
1999 Winner of the “International Meeting of Ballet Academies”
2010 “Grand Prix Giuliana Penzi”
2012 “Premio Positano”: best female newcomer
2014 “Wilhelmsen Holding ASA Company Award for Opera and Ballet”
2014 Nomination “Benois de la Danse” as best female dancer
She has also been a guest artist in many international companies: Royal Swedish Ballet
Stockholm, Ballet of Teatro di San Carlo Napoli, The Kremlin Ballet Moscow, Ballet of Kazan,
Compañía Nacional de Danza Madrid
the Cuban State Ballet School Havana.
She has worked in several international ballet companies. From 2000 till 2010 she danced in
the National Ballet of Cuba Havana, being Principal Dancer from 2005 on. In 2009 she danced
with Víctor Ullate Ballet. From 2010 until 2018 she was Principal Dancer in the Norwegian
National Ballet Oslo.
Since 2018 she is the Principal Dancer of the Staatsballett Berlin.
She has received several awards:
1999 Winner of the “International Meeting of Ballet Academies”
2010 “Grand Prix Giuliana Penzi”
2012 “Premio Positano”: best female newcomer
2014 “Wilhelmsen Holding ASA Company Award for Opera and Ballet”
2014 Nomination “Benois de la Danse” as best female dancer
She has also been a guest artist in many international companies: Royal Swedish Ballet
Stockholm, Ballet of Teatro di San Carlo Napoli, The Kremlin Ballet Moscow, Ballet of Kazan,
Compañía Nacional de Danza Madrid
Kumiko Noshiro
Kumiko Noshiro was born in Ishikawa, Japan and came to Europe at the age of fifteen, studying
in St Gallen, Switzerland and later graduating from Franklin College in Lugano.
Inspired by the entry of her son into professional ballet training, she became increasingly
interested in the idea of opening her own school, offering intensive, high-standard dance
education and in 2012 established the Munich International Ballet School in the center of the
city. Offering vocational and pre-vocational training and staffed by experienced professional
and ex-professional dancers, the school prepares talented students from Munich and overseas
to audition for both professional companies and state ballet academies.
Within one year the school had celebrated its first professional alumnus , with a student
being awarded a contract with Ballet Augsburg and since then, students have successfully
gained entry into prestigious schools such as:
· Zurich Dance Academy
· The School of the Hamburg Ballet, John Neumeier
· The Ballet Academy of the Vienna State Opera
· The Vienna Conservatory
· The Royal Ballet School Antwerp
· The Hungarian Dance Academy
The school offers students an intensive 5-day program, which includes two hours of classical
ballet, 90 minutes of pointe work and variations and a choreography-rich programme, giving
the students the ability to learn from challenging and varied repertoire. There are daily
stretching, pilates and floor exercise classes, as well as optional open classes at the weekend,
taught by ballet professionals in a company atmosphere. In addition to the regular program,
students are given the chance to participate in workshops and classes with international guest
teachers such as Roland Vogel (Princess Grace Academy Monaco), Loretta Alexandrescu
(Accademia Teatro alla Scala) and international guest ballet master Yannick Boquin. The
school also provides regular opportunities to perform and due to excellent links with
professionals from the Bavarian State Ballet, the students have the chance to learn from
professional dancers working at the highest level.
Munich International Ballet School also hosts an annual 7-day audition workshop for both
students and professionals. During this week, dancers have the opportunity to audition for
seven dance directors without the need to travel between several cities.
With the additional benefit of her experience as a qualified yoga teacher, with almost 20 years
experience in the health industry, Ms Noshiro is also very conscious of the health and
well-being of those under her care. She attempts to give students a sense of responsibility for
their own learning and to help them develop an awareness of their bodies to aid injury
prevention. Ms Noshiro continues to work constantly to maintain and improve the standard of
the school and to seek out the best possible opportunities for her students.
in St Gallen, Switzerland and later graduating from Franklin College in Lugano.
Inspired by the entry of her son into professional ballet training, she became increasingly
interested in the idea of opening her own school, offering intensive, high-standard dance
education and in 2012 established the Munich International Ballet School in the center of the
city. Offering vocational and pre-vocational training and staffed by experienced professional
and ex-professional dancers, the school prepares talented students from Munich and overseas
to audition for both professional companies and state ballet academies.
Within one year the school had celebrated its first professional alumnus , with a student
being awarded a contract with Ballet Augsburg and since then, students have successfully
gained entry into prestigious schools such as:
· Zurich Dance Academy
· The School of the Hamburg Ballet, John Neumeier
· The Ballet Academy of the Vienna State Opera
· The Vienna Conservatory
· The Royal Ballet School Antwerp
· The Hungarian Dance Academy
The school offers students an intensive 5-day program, which includes two hours of classical
ballet, 90 minutes of pointe work and variations and a choreography-rich programme, giving
the students the ability to learn from challenging and varied repertoire. There are daily
stretching, pilates and floor exercise classes, as well as optional open classes at the weekend,
taught by ballet professionals in a company atmosphere. In addition to the regular program,
students are given the chance to participate in workshops and classes with international guest
teachers such as Roland Vogel (Princess Grace Academy Monaco), Loretta Alexandrescu
(Accademia Teatro alla Scala) and international guest ballet master Yannick Boquin. The
school also provides regular opportunities to perform and due to excellent links with
professionals from the Bavarian State Ballet, the students have the chance to learn from
professional dancers working at the highest level.
Munich International Ballet School also hosts an annual 7-day audition workshop for both
students and professionals. During this week, dancers have the opportunity to audition for
seven dance directors without the need to travel between several cities.
With the additional benefit of her experience as a qualified yoga teacher, with almost 20 years
experience in the health industry, Ms Noshiro is also very conscious of the health and
well-being of those under her care. She attempts to give students a sense of responsibility for
their own learning and to help them develop an awareness of their bodies to aid injury
prevention. Ms Noshiro continues to work constantly to maintain and improve the standard of
the school and to seek out the best possible opportunities for her students.
Rodolfo Castellanos
Former dancer at the National Ballet of Cuba, during his academic career he graduated as a
classical Ballet dancer and ballet master at the National Arts Schools of Havana, Cuba. Some
of his ballet masters were Fernando Alonso, Joaquín Banegas, Josefina Méndez and Ramona
de Sáa.
He graduated at the Higher Institute of Art in 1993 and he has a degree in Dance Art with a
specialization in ballet in the city of Havana, Cuba.
He also received the status of ballet master of the Higher Institute of Art in Havana (Cuba) and
graduated from the Higher Conservatory of Dance of Institut de Teatre (Barcelona) of the
Barcelona Provincial Council, specializing in Dance Pedagogy (2015).
His artistic career is brilliant: he made his debut as a professional in 1973 with the National
Ballet of Cuba. From 1975 to 1977 he participated in the Ballet of Camagüey. In 1977 he
moved back to the National Ballet of Cuba, with Alicia Alonso as a director, where he had an
ascending professional career: First Artist 1977, Soloist 1982, First Soloist 1985 and Principal
Dancer 1986.
His repertoire includes all the leading roles in the great romantic-classical tradition. He was
invited to many dance companies as a principal dancer and he premiered throughout America
the version of the Spartacus ballet by the Hungarian choreographer Lazlo Zeregi at the Ballet
of Santiago de Chile.
He has shared a stage with stars like Julio Bocca, Marcia Haydee, Vladimir Vasiliev, Alicia
Alonso and Paolo Bartolucci among others.
He worked with many contemporary choreographers like Michel Descombey, John Wisman,
José Antonio or Antonio Gades, and he performed all the work from Cuban choreographers like
Alberto Mendes, Gustavo Herrera or Ivan Tenorio.
As a ballet master, we must underline that since 1982 he has combined being a dancer with
his job as a ballet master at the Cuban National Ballet School of Havana, where he got
excellent results with students, according to Carlos Acosta and Víctor Gili.
In 1992 he collaborated with Ben Stevenson in the production of The Snow Maiden in
Santiago de Chile.
In 1994 and 1995 he worked as a ballet master and rehearsal director at the Euskadi Ballet,
directed by Rafael Martí. He participated in the performance of Giselle, which is available at the
Barakaldo Theatre in San Sebastián and the Fortuny Theatre in Reus.
In 1995 he was guest ballet master at the Ballet Theatre of Bordeaux, in France.
He was also invited to work as a ballet master and rehearsal director at the Ballet of Zaragoza,
directed by Arantxa Argüelles.
Since 1999 he has worked as a ballet master in the young company IT Dansa, directed by
Catherine Allard.
The academic years of 2000-2001 and 2001-2002 he worked as a ballet master at Scuola di
Danza Fondazione Teatro dell’Opera, directed by Paula Jorio. In September 2002 he started
working as a ballet master at the professional dance conservatory teaching classical technique,
Pas de Deux and classical repertoire at Institut del Teatre of Barcelona.
The academic years 2004-2005 and 2005-2006 he was a guest ballet master at the
prestigious dance school Rudra Béjart of Lausanne, Switzerland.
He was a guest ballet master at the Elmhurst Ballet School of Birmingham and the English
National Ballet School, and he worked as ballet master at the Royal Ballet School during
the academic years 2015-2016 and 2016-2017.
In October 2019 he participated in the symposium at the Cuban Ballet School of New York,
organized by the prestigious dancer Cynthia Harvey for the ABT, and in December he worked
in Havana with the company directed by the prestigious dancer Carlos Acosta.
He is currently starting a new project as the High Performance Dance Programme artistic
director, requested by Factoria Cultural de Terrassa.
classical Ballet dancer and ballet master at the National Arts Schools of Havana, Cuba. Some
of his ballet masters were Fernando Alonso, Joaquín Banegas, Josefina Méndez and Ramona
de Sáa.
He graduated at the Higher Institute of Art in 1993 and he has a degree in Dance Art with a
specialization in ballet in the city of Havana, Cuba.
He also received the status of ballet master of the Higher Institute of Art in Havana (Cuba) and
graduated from the Higher Conservatory of Dance of Institut de Teatre (Barcelona) of the
Barcelona Provincial Council, specializing in Dance Pedagogy (2015).
His artistic career is brilliant: he made his debut as a professional in 1973 with the National
Ballet of Cuba. From 1975 to 1977 he participated in the Ballet of Camagüey. In 1977 he
moved back to the National Ballet of Cuba, with Alicia Alonso as a director, where he had an
ascending professional career: First Artist 1977, Soloist 1982, First Soloist 1985 and Principal
Dancer 1986.
His repertoire includes all the leading roles in the great romantic-classical tradition. He was
invited to many dance companies as a principal dancer and he premiered throughout America
the version of the Spartacus ballet by the Hungarian choreographer Lazlo Zeregi at the Ballet
of Santiago de Chile.
He has shared a stage with stars like Julio Bocca, Marcia Haydee, Vladimir Vasiliev, Alicia
Alonso and Paolo Bartolucci among others.
He worked with many contemporary choreographers like Michel Descombey, John Wisman,
José Antonio or Antonio Gades, and he performed all the work from Cuban choreographers like
Alberto Mendes, Gustavo Herrera or Ivan Tenorio.
As a ballet master, we must underline that since 1982 he has combined being a dancer with
his job as a ballet master at the Cuban National Ballet School of Havana, where he got
excellent results with students, according to Carlos Acosta and Víctor Gili.
In 1992 he collaborated with Ben Stevenson in the production of The Snow Maiden in
Santiago de Chile.
In 1994 and 1995 he worked as a ballet master and rehearsal director at the Euskadi Ballet,
directed by Rafael Martí. He participated in the performance of Giselle, which is available at the
Barakaldo Theatre in San Sebastián and the Fortuny Theatre in Reus.
In 1995 he was guest ballet master at the Ballet Theatre of Bordeaux, in France.
He was also invited to work as a ballet master and rehearsal director at the Ballet of Zaragoza,
directed by Arantxa Argüelles.
Since 1999 he has worked as a ballet master in the young company IT Dansa, directed by
Catherine Allard.
The academic years of 2000-2001 and 2001-2002 he worked as a ballet master at Scuola di
Danza Fondazione Teatro dell’Opera, directed by Paula Jorio. In September 2002 he started
working as a ballet master at the professional dance conservatory teaching classical technique,
Pas de Deux and classical repertoire at Institut del Teatre of Barcelona.
The academic years 2004-2005 and 2005-2006 he was a guest ballet master at the
prestigious dance school Rudra Béjart of Lausanne, Switzerland.
He was a guest ballet master at the Elmhurst Ballet School of Birmingham and the English
National Ballet School, and he worked as ballet master at the Royal Ballet School during
the academic years 2015-2016 and 2016-2017.
In October 2019 he participated in the symposium at the Cuban Ballet School of New York,
organized by the prestigious dancer Cynthia Harvey for the ABT, and in December he worked
in Havana with the company directed by the prestigious dancer Carlos Acosta.
He is currently starting a new project as the High Performance Dance Programme artistic
director, requested by Factoria Cultural de Terrassa.
Etienne Béchard
Born in France in 1987, Etienne BÉCHARD is a contemporary choreographer who mixes
different styles with a strong classical base. Keen on a physical and dynamic approach, his
shows combine aesthetics, acrobatics, and explosive movements, as well as poetry, with a
commitment to bringing light to various social causes and a generous slice of humor. He was
ten years old when he started to dance in the south of France. His professors taught him
various choreographic styles, and this diversified education would bring him later to develop
his own creativity. At 16, he started at the workshop-school Rudra-Béjart, after which he then
joined the Béjart Ballet Lausanne 2 years later, where he learned discipline and precision. Two
skills that still affect his works today.One thing becomes clear to him : he wants to create
choreographies. So much, that he leaves the Béjart Ballet Lausanne to fully dedicate himself to
his new calling.Thus, in 2010, answering a desire of emancipation, he
settled down in Bruxelle and started his own company : Opinion Public Dance Company. Since
then, his creations have drawn their raw materials in modern day neurosis, always with humor
and poetry, touching on the issues and stakes of our time. In 2016, he was invited to the Ballet
de Opéra national du Rhin, under the direction of Ivan Cavallari. This was an experience with a
big company of 30 dancers and the creation of the shows « ...Cupidon s’en fou » . In 2016 again,
under the direction of Estefania Miranda, he put back on once again his “Post Anima” ( created
originally in 2014 ), the 15 dancers of the Tanz Konzert Theater with him, and the next season
also, after that his “Bolero”. The trade press named Tanz Magazin, named Etienne Béchard in
2017, as one of the most promising choreographers of the international stage. In 2018, he was
invited to create a “The Rite of Spring” for Les Grands Ballets Canadiens. After the great
success of the reinterpretation of Stravinsky’s work, the director of Les Grands Ballets
Canadiens , entrusted him to envision his own version of “Carmen” for the Ballet. In 2022,
Etienne presented “Carmen” to Montréal.
different styles with a strong classical base. Keen on a physical and dynamic approach, his
shows combine aesthetics, acrobatics, and explosive movements, as well as poetry, with a
commitment to bringing light to various social causes and a generous slice of humor. He was
ten years old when he started to dance in the south of France. His professors taught him
various choreographic styles, and this diversified education would bring him later to develop
his own creativity. At 16, he started at the workshop-school Rudra-Béjart, after which he then
joined the Béjart Ballet Lausanne 2 years later, where he learned discipline and precision. Two
skills that still affect his works today.One thing becomes clear to him : he wants to create
choreographies. So much, that he leaves the Béjart Ballet Lausanne to fully dedicate himself to
his new calling.Thus, in 2010, answering a desire of emancipation, he
settled down in Bruxelle and started his own company : Opinion Public Dance Company. Since
then, his creations have drawn their raw materials in modern day neurosis, always with humor
and poetry, touching on the issues and stakes of our time. In 2016, he was invited to the Ballet
de Opéra national du Rhin, under the direction of Ivan Cavallari. This was an experience with a
big company of 30 dancers and the creation of the shows « ...Cupidon s’en fou » . In 2016 again,
under the direction of Estefania Miranda, he put back on once again his “Post Anima” ( created
originally in 2014 ), the 15 dancers of the Tanz Konzert Theater with him, and the next season
also, after that his “Bolero”. The trade press named Tanz Magazin, named Etienne Béchard in
2017, as one of the most promising choreographers of the international stage. In 2018, he was
invited to create a “The Rite of Spring” for Les Grands Ballets Canadiens. After the great
success of the reinterpretation of Stravinsky’s work, the director of Les Grands Ballets
Canadiens , entrusted him to envision his own version of “Carmen” for the Ballet. In 2022,
Etienne presented “Carmen” to Montréal.
Maria Torija
Maria Torija, the Academy Director at BalletMet, was born in Madrid, Spain. Torija began her ballet studies with Lola de Avila, Luis Fuentes and Carmen Roche. At the age of thirteen, she was awarded a Fulbright scholarship to study for three years at the School of American Ballet in New York. After a short stint with the Ballet Nacional de España Clásico, she began her 20-year career as a dancer with the Deutsche Oper Berlin ballet company, currently the Staatsballett Berlin. During her time in Berlin, Maria performed in solo and principal roles in numerous classic ballets, including works choreographed by George Balanchine, Maurice Bejart, John Neumeier, William Forsythe, John Cranko, Jiri Kilian and Kenneth McMillan among others.
She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Ballet Teaching, and graduated summa cum laude with a Master’s and PhD in Performing Arts from the Universidad Rey Juan Carlos, in Madrid. She also has an extensive teaching resume. Beginning with the Opera Ballet of Deutsche Oper Berlin, she has served as a faculty member at the Palucca Hochschule für Tanz, Dresden. Maria has participated in seminars and has been invited to teach classes throughout Europe, Japan and Hong Kong and the United States.
Maria Torija, the Academy Director at BalletMet, was born in Madrid, Spain. Torija began her
ballet studies with Lola de Avila, Luis Fuentes and Carmen Roche. At the age of thirteen, she
was awarded a Fulbright scholarship to study for three years at the School of American Ballet
in New York. After a short stint with the Ballet Nacional de España Clásico, she began her
20-year career as a dancer with the Deutsche Oper Berlin ballet company, currently the
Staatsballett Berlin. During her time in Berlin, Maria performed in solo and principal roles in
numerous classic ballets, including works choreographed by George Balanchine, Maurice
Bejart, John Neumeier, William Forsythe, John Cranko, Jiri Kilian and Kenneth McMillan among
others.
She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Ballet Teaching, and graduated summa cum laude with a
Master’s and PhD in Performing Arts from the Universidad Rey Juan Carlos, in Madrid. She also
has an extensive teaching resume. Beginning with the Opera Ballet of Deutsche Oper Berlin,
she has served as a faculty member at the Palucca Hochschule für Tanz, Dresden. Maria has
participated in seminars and has been invited to teach classes throughout Europe, Japan and
Hong Kong and the United States.
While on the faculty of the Miami City Ballet and Miami City Ballet School, Maria taught
dancing as well as classes on the history of ballet and other associated topics. She organized
and conceived a popular program for the Open Barre at the Miami City Ballet, inviting the
public to see a demonstration of the progression of professional ballet training. Maria came to
BalletMet as the Academy Director, in 2017 from Marin Ballet, the same school where Artistic
Director Edwaard Liang received his early training.
She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Ballet Teaching, and graduated summa cum laude with a Master’s and PhD in Performing Arts from the Universidad Rey Juan Carlos, in Madrid. She also has an extensive teaching resume. Beginning with the Opera Ballet of Deutsche Oper Berlin, she has served as a faculty member at the Palucca Hochschule für Tanz, Dresden. Maria has participated in seminars and has been invited to teach classes throughout Europe, Japan and Hong Kong and the United States.
Maria Torija, the Academy Director at BalletMet, was born in Madrid, Spain. Torija began her
ballet studies with Lola de Avila, Luis Fuentes and Carmen Roche. At the age of thirteen, she
was awarded a Fulbright scholarship to study for three years at the School of American Ballet
in New York. After a short stint with the Ballet Nacional de España Clásico, she began her
20-year career as a dancer with the Deutsche Oper Berlin ballet company, currently the
Staatsballett Berlin. During her time in Berlin, Maria performed in solo and principal roles in
numerous classic ballets, including works choreographed by George Balanchine, Maurice
Bejart, John Neumeier, William Forsythe, John Cranko, Jiri Kilian and Kenneth McMillan among
others.
She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Ballet Teaching, and graduated summa cum laude with a
Master’s and PhD in Performing Arts from the Universidad Rey Juan Carlos, in Madrid. She also
has an extensive teaching resume. Beginning with the Opera Ballet of Deutsche Oper Berlin,
she has served as a faculty member at the Palucca Hochschule für Tanz, Dresden. Maria has
participated in seminars and has been invited to teach classes throughout Europe, Japan and
Hong Kong and the United States.
While on the faculty of the Miami City Ballet and Miami City Ballet School, Maria taught
dancing as well as classes on the history of ballet and other associated topics. She organized
and conceived a popular program for the Open Barre at the Miami City Ballet, inviting the
public to see a demonstration of the progression of professional ballet training. Maria came to
BalletMet as the Academy Director, in 2017 from Marin Ballet, the same school where Artistic
Director Edwaard Liang received his early training.
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