Compañía Nacional de Danza

Early New Orleans most often gets associated with its French colonial roots, but for the forty years leading up to the Louisiana Purchase in 1803, Nueva Orleans was ruled by Spain. From the architecture of the Spanish-rebuilt French Quarter to the incorporation of peppers into Creole cuisine, Spanish cultural influences endure in the city to this day. And this month, Spain’s premier national dance company, Compañía Nacional de Danza, will arrive in New Orleans for the first time in over two decades to celebrate and reforge those connections by launching their U.S. tour with a performance at the Mahalia Jackson Theatre and  a reception at the Cabildo (historically the seat of Spanish government in New Orleans) with Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser, Mayor LaToya Cantrell, and Spanish dignitaries. 

“New Orleans is known for its unique culture, and a significant part of that rich cultural makeup is the state and city’s early ties to Spain. The Spanish influence still remains evident in our amazing cuisine and our stunning architecture, notably The Cabildo, an important Louisiana historical landmark built in the Spanish colonial style,” said Jenny Hamilton, Executive Director of the New Orleans Ballet Association (NOBA),  the host of the events, which will be incorporated into NOBA’s 2023/2024 season and will kick off the Association’s annual fundraising campaign at the Cabildo reception. “New Orleans is one of the few U.S. cities that feels most appropriate to host the company’s kick-off of this tour, and we are incredibly excited to have them return.” 

The program encompasses a breadth of dance styles, ranging from an interpretation of a traditional Mexican mambo, to a classical ballet requiem, to an experimental piece of choreography set to the innovative, minimalist compositions of Philip Glass. The tour is under the artistic direction of acclaimed choreographer Joaquín De Luz, who was formerly a principal dancer with the New York City Ballet. 

“We know our audience and the dance community will enjoy this rare presentation of this company; by supporting this performance, we are all contributing to the field of dance and the artform and ensuring it remains accessible to all, from seasoned dance lovers to new patrons who are curious about the artform,” Hamilton explained. “With a mixed repertoire that embraces classical to avant-garde styles, dancers and audience members of all ages will enjoy an evening of complex, amusing, captivating works that showcase a dance identity and vocabulary they may have yet to see. This company’s history of excellence is truly on full display.”

The first performance of the Compañía Nacional de Danza’s U.S. tour will take place at the Mahalia Jackson Theater at 7:30 pm on January 20. Tickets range from $41–$201 at nobadance.com.