Acclaimed Guadalajara ballet dancer Isaac Hernandez (right) has become the first Mexican exemplar of that most kinesthetic of arts to grace a major Italian stage – and under the leadership of superstar Mikhail Baryshnikov, no less.
Hernandez danced the role of Basilio in “Don Quixote de la Mancha,” a ballet based on the famous novel by Cervantes, for the Teatro dell’Opera di Roma in Italy’s capital, November 15-17. While the role afforded him the opportunity to work with a whole number of internationally known dancers, choreographers and musicians, it was his experience working under Baryshnikov that will be etched forever in Hernandez’ memory.
“It’s something that will stay with me for the rest of my life,” related Hernandez.
“Something else special,” continued the dancer, “was the fact that my parents were able to be there on such an important night for my career.”
Hernandez, currently a principal with the English National Ballet, was also the first Mexican national to perform for the Opera de Paris, the Mariinsky Ballet of Saint Petersburg, the Bolshoi Theater of Moscow and the Royal Opera House of London.