The Ballet Metropolitano de Medellín presents “Botero,” a ballet inspired by the life and works of renowned Colombian artist Fernando Botero. The iconic ballet premiered in Medellin just on 24 and 25 October 2024. “Botero” marks the 35th anniversary of the outstanding Ballet Metropolitano de Medellín. The ballet features a talented cast of dancers from the Ballet Metropolitano de Medellín, along with guest artists from the Dominican National Ballet.
The two-night performance at the National Theater on 14 and 15 November 2024 is part of the program of the Santo Domingo International Book Fair. It promises to be a visual and emotional journey through the artist’s iconic, voluminous style. Admission is free, but attendants should go early to ensure seats.
Crafted by a team of international artists, including Colombian-Belgian choreographer Annabelle Lopez Ochoa, Colombian composer Juan Pablo Acosta, and Colombian costume designer Diana Echandía, “Botero” brings together 18 dancers to celebrate the legacy of the Colombian master. The ballet blends neoclassical dance with a musical score that evokes the Andean region, transporting the audience into the heart of Botero’s artistic universe.
“This project is a synergy of choreographers, dancers, musicians, costume designers, lighting technicians, and visual artists,” said Juliana Acosta Pérez, executive director of the Ballet Metropolitano de Medellín. “It fosters a reflection on the value of art and culture in Colombia and pays homage to an iconic figure of our identity.”
Choreographer Lopez Ochoa, known for her narrative-driven pieces like “Vida y obra de Frida Kahlo” and “Vendetta, historia de la mafia,” explains she found inspiration in Botero’s meticulous attention to detail. “When I learned that Botero sometimes painted a small fly to achieve perfect balance in his works, I immediately imagined a ballet,” she has shared. “I thought about the artist’s moments of creative solitude, where a fly accompanied him on a journey of creativity where his characters came to life, leaving the canvas to confront him.”
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Ballet Metropolitano de Medellin
12 November 2024