National Dance Company (Spain): In Paradisum / Morgen / Passengers Within’

This program represents current Spanish choreographic talent with the works ‘In Paradisum’, by Antonio Ruz, one of the most outstanding artists of contemporary dance; ‘Morgen’, by Nacho Duato, who directed the CND for more than twenty years, and ‘Passengers Within’, a work by Joaquín De Luz, current director of the Company, which premiered at the Teatros del Canal in Madrid in December 2022.

In Paradise

Choreography: Antonio Ruz. Music: Pablo Martin Caminero.

Like a journey through time, In Paradisum proposes a dialogue between sacred and popular music, between the sacred and the mundane, the community and the individual. A humanist reflection on the concept and the search for spirituality in the society of our time. A stage ritual full of emotion, contrast, pulsation and energy. A collective celebration of dance as an instrument of connection with oneself and with others.

Morgen

Choreography: Nacho Duato. Music: Pedro Alcalde

Created by Nacho Duato for the National Dance Company, of which he was director for 20 years (between 1990 and 2010), the idea of Morgen is based on the poem Resumé by Dorothy Parker, which in its eight lines refers to suicide, but also to hope. Pedro Alcalde’s original music, based on baroque elements, also seeks to relate to the struggle of hope over death.

Passenger Within

Choreography: Joaquin De Luz. Music: Philip Glass

‘Passengers Within’ is inspired by today’s society: technology, media, and consumerism. It is a work that explores a contemporary landscape to the incessant rhythm of information and score by composer Philip Glass.

The National Dance Company was founded in 1979 under the name of National Classical Ballet (Ballet Nacional Clásico), and had Víctor Ullate as its first director. In February 1983, María de Ávila took over the direction of the Spanish National Ballet and the Classical National Ballet, placing special emphasis on opening the doors to choreographies such as those of George Balanchine and Antony Tudor.

In December 1987, the extraordinary Russian ballerina Maya Plisétskaya was appointed artistic director of the Ballet, and in June 1990, Nacho Duato, who held the position for twenty years. Duato’s incorporation represented an innovative change in the history of the formation. New original choreographies were included in the company’s repertoire.

Tickets range between COP$45,000 to COP$165,000 and are available at the theatre box office or tuboleta.com