The state-sponsored Ballet de Jalisco has been doing its best to survive during the pandemic, reports lakeside resident Suzanne Salimbene, one of the troupe’s most dedicated supporters and promoters.
The dancers have not performed since their sold out Nutcracker show at the Teatro Degollado in December 2019.
“They have had to be their own teachers and do their ballet barre at home since Covid-19 closed their practice studio in March, but have, independently, created Ballet de Jalisco Digital where they talk about their lives and work as professional dancers,” Salimbene says.
The troupe has also broadcast some full ballet performances, as well as a gala celebrating the sixth anniversary of the foundation of the company, on YouTube.
Financial support by individual ballet lovers from the Lakeside Friends of the Ballet de Jalisco has helped pay for some online classes that have featured well-known guest teachers from Los Angeles, Toronto, Uruguay, Belgium and the National Ballet in Mexico City. The dancers are still waiting to be allowed to return to their studio for in-person classes, Salimbene says.
The dancers are planning to show more complete performances on YouTube until they are able to perform in public again. They will schedule a performance of “Swan Lake” sometime in November, and “The Nutcracker” again in December. They will also arrange a special program in October, should World Dance Day not be cancelled this year, Salimbene reports.
To sponsor a digital class by a renowned guest teacher, contact Suzanne Salimbene at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for information.