This year’s San José Ballet Festival promises to elevate the Costa Rican capital to new artistic heights. Scheduled to run from May 30 to June 2, 2023, the festival is not just a celebration of ballet but a vibrant confluence of culture, education, and entertainment.
Ballet Breaks Boundaries
Ballet, a dance form often perceived as exclusive and ensconced within the realms of theaters and academies, is stepping out into the community with the 8th edition of the San José Ballet Festival. Since its inception in 2016, the festival has aimed to democratize ballet, making it accessible and relatable to the broader public.
Katherina Madriz, the festival’s director, believes that “if we want to elevate our artists’ caliber, we must unify and create platforms that foster collective growth.” She adds, “It’s also an opportunity for dancers who can’t travel abroad to experience the dynamics of summer intensives and global festivals firsthand.”
What’s On?
The festival will host three performances, an intensive seminar for 45 students, and several open classes. It will feature a total of 150 dancers, including five guest professionals from the University of Oklahoma such as Michael Bearden, Boyko Dossev, and choreographer Danielle Gould.
Challenges and Aspirations
Despite the aspiration to offer all activities for free and to pay performers, Madriz acknowledges that “there’s still a long way to go in terms of support and management.”
The festivities will kick off on May 31 at 7 p.m. at the La Alhambra building in San José. Tickets are priced at ¢5,000 and can be purchased via SINPE mobile transfer at 6360-4620. Additionally, a gala will be held on June 1 at 8 p.m. at the Teatro de la Danza (former FANAL), with the closing show scheduled for June 2 at 5 p.m. Tickets for these performances can be obtained through eticket.cr, priced at ¢13,000 and ¢10,500 respectively.
Open Ballet Classes
San José Ballet Festival is also offering open classes for dancers aged 13 and above, covering all skill levels. Registration for these classes can be completed online at www.festivalballetsj.com, with fees applicable upon payment.
Classes will take place at multiple venues including Dancework, Danz Performing Arts Center, Andamio, Danzay, and the Teatro de la Danza.
Expanding the Dance Dialogue
Beyond the annual festival, the organization conducts various activities throughout the year, including free classes that have impacted over 170 children nationwide.
Pricing and Registration
Participants can register for between one and six classes, with fees structured as follows:
- 1 class: ¢12,000
- 2 classes: ¢22,000
- 3 classes: ¢30,000
- 4 classes: ¢40,000
- 5 classes: ¢45,000
- 6 classes: ¢50,000
For more information, interested parties can visit www.festivalballetsj.com or consult the organization’s social media channels.
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