Next weekend, the Compañía de Danza Clásica y Neoclásica de Jalisco will stage the renowned comic ballet “La Fille Mal Gardée” (The Wayward Daughter).
For the company’s new director, Tapatio Guillermo Hernandez, the two performances at Guadalajara’s Teatro Degollado represent a watershed moment. He believes it is time for the three-year-old, state-funded professional dance company to raise its profile and widen its fan base. Hernandez himself will be taking one of the leading roles in “La Fille Mal Gardée,” that of Widow Simone – traditionally danced by a man. “We’ve managed to get it together in just a month and a half but we’re ready,” he told the Reporter in a brief interview held during a busy rehearsal schedule this week. Here’s some more of what Hernandez had to say about himself and the company.
Why did you choose “La Fille Mal Gardée” for your big debut with the company?
It’s a magnificent ballet that fits perfectly with this company, because there is so much going on and all the dancers are involved in both acts. It’s a golden opportunity for our young dancers to exploit their talents, technique and grow artistically.
How many dancers does the Compañia de Danza have?
We have 20 dancers at the moment and will probably hold more auditions in January.
How did you come to be the new director of the company?
I was invited to the position by the Jalisco Secretary of Culture because of my career in dance and theater and connections with Guadalajara. I was born here and was director of the Ballet Folklorico de la Ayuntamiento de Guadalajara for two and a half years. I have directed my own small companies and worked with other companies here and abroad, including the Compañia de Danza de Mexico Bellas Artes. I also took the part of Mr. Mistoffelees in the musical “Cats” when it came to Mexico City from Broadway.
You have also lived and worked in New York and London.
I lived four years in New York, specializing in musical theater and dance, part of the time with the American Dance Machine school and company. I obtained my classical ballet teacher certification from the Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing and Royal Academy of Dance in London. I spent the final year at the University of Chichester and had the privilege of studying with some great teachers, and where I learned all the methodology of the English classical dance school that is inspired by the Cecchetti school. I also had time to see some wonderful ballet, choreography and musical theater in London’s West End.
Are you excited at what this company might achieve?
It’s still not clear if I will be ratified when new state administration takes over next year. But if that’s the case, I would like to see the company grow and create an international as well as national profile. Given the size and importance of Guadalajara, I think all the economic support possible should be given to the company to help it develop strong public support. I would like to see a company that is loved by the people of Jalisco. As artists we want full houses at all our performances. We don’t just live for the money but also the applause of the public.
Has anything changed with the company since you took over?
I’ve been director for two months and we’ve done 11 performances so far. Last year there were only six shows in the entire year. We’re also holding didactic performances, to educate the public about dance. We’ve started a children’s program and a classical program for adults. This is an important way of promoting the company.
Promotion and information about the company has been patchy since it was formed three years ago. Will this now change?
Unfortunately, there is still no budget for a website. But we should have one after March next year when the new budget is announced. We have some fabulous photos and videos to show.
Why do you think Guadalajara produces so many excellent young dancers?
Because there are so many ballet and dance schools – around 400 I think. About 80 years ago, an American named Amelia Bell – the famous Miss Bell – started the ballet first school in Hotel Frances in the city center. Then ballerina Helen Hoth arrived from Mexico City to open a school, followed by many other important dance teachers. There is much talent in Guadalajara. And this company is the perfect vehicle to allow this talent to grow. It’s a shame but our best dancers have traditionally left because they don’t get support but now they have their own company they can stay and dance professionally.
What feeling do you want those who see “La Fille Mal Gardée” to leave the theater with?
To be thoroughly entertained and to know they have a jewel in their hands and must take care of it.
The Compañía de Danza Clásica y Neoclásica performs “La Fille Mal Gardée” at the Teatro Degollado on Saturday, October 27, 8:30 p.m. and Sunday, October 28, 6 p.m. Tickets 80-180 pesos, available at the theater box office, from Ticketmaster at 3818-3800 or www.ticketmaster.com.mx. Call (33) 3614-4773 for more information.