The star dancer from the Paris Opera has been chosen as the replacement for Nacho Duato to direct the Spanish National Dance Company (Compañía Nacional de Danza).

José Carlos Martínez won the National Prize for Dance in 1999, and is considered as one of only a few people who has a curriculum on a level with Duato. Duato came under criticism for being far too modern in his approach and already his replacement has said that he would like to see pointe shoes back in the company and that he wants to see it represent the panorama of Spanish ballet.

‘It’s an opportunity for me to use all my experience’, he said, adding that it will take him two months to prepare his project.

He will take up his post in September 2011, for a period of five years, and it ends a period of uncertainty since Duato resigned last summer.

Photo credit: Icare