Cuban dancer Yosvani Ramos is well known to British audiences. He joined the English National Ballet as a soloist in 1999 under Derek Deane and became a Principal Dancer with the company in 2003, following a performance of Coppélia. He remained with the company until 2007. He later spent five years with the Australian Ballet. Now, at 46, he is the Artistic Director of the ballet company of Monterrey in Mexico.
The company was founded by Yolanda Santos de Hoyos in 1990, and Ramos is following several high-profile directors, including Fernando Bujones, José Manuel Carreño, and Thiago Soares.
The company has performed many ballets from the classical repertoire at home and abroad, and is sending two of its dancers – Laura Rodriguez and Gael Ventura – to represent the company in its UK debut as part of the 10th programme of the Ballet Nights series called DECADANCE on 4 February. They will dance the Diana & Acteon Pas de Deux.
So, Yosvani, the Ballet de Monterrey will be making its UK debut.
We are deeply excited and honoured to be performing in the United Kingdom for the first time.
London is one of the most important cultural capitals in the world and has an extraordinary dance tradition, so this invitation represents a very special moment for Ballet de Monterrey. It is a wonderful opportunity to share our work, our artistic identity, and Latin American and Mexican talent with such a knowledgeable and passionate international ballet audience.
London is a very special place, as I danced there for nine years with the English National Ballet – the UK is my second nationality.
Why Diana and Actaeon?
We chose Diana and Actaeon because it is a vibrant, virtuosic work that truly represents classical ballet at its highest level. It combines strength, elegance, musicality, and a strong connection between the performers. We believe Ballet Nights audiences will love the intensity, technical brilliance, and triumphant character of this piece, as well as the spectacular music by Drigo, which elevates every moment of the pas de deux.
And who are your dancers?
Laura Rodríguez brings to Diana a powerful presence, impeccable technique, and a natural elegance that conveys authority and character. Gael Ventura, on the other hand, embodies Actaeon with energy, precision, and an athletic virtuosity that perfectly balances the scene. Together, they share extraordinary stage chemistry.
Laura and Gael share a great sense of excitement about dancing in London, especially performing for such a knowledgeable and passionate ballet audience. They are thrilled to be part of Ballet Nights, to share the stage with international artists, and, of course, to take advantage of the opportunity to reconnect with friends, explore historic theatres, and visit some of the city’s landmarks. For both of them, this trip represents a very meaningful moment in their artistic careers.
What is special about the Ballet de Monterrey?
Ballet de Monterrey is unique because of its combination of artistic excellence, international diversity, and a strong Mexican identity. The company brings together dancers from different parts of the world who share solid training and deep respect for the classical repertoire, while remaining open to new artistic proposals. Our commitment to quality, discipline, and continuous growth has been key to establishing us as a leading company in Latin America.
Monterrey is certainly a contrast with London and Melbourne. Are you happy living there?
Oh yes! The people are warm and hospitable. Its gastronomy is diverse, authentic, and truly representative of northern Mexico. And then there’s the impressive natural landscape, surrounded by mountains such as the iconic Cerro de la Silla.
There is a blend of modernity and tradition with a dynamic and constantly growing cultural and artistic scene.
Tickets for Ballet Nights, on 4 February, Cadogan Hall, London
Graham Spicer, aka ‘Gramilano’, is a writer, director and photographer based in Milan. He was a regular columnist for Opera Now magazine and wrote for the BBC until transferring to Italy. His articles have appeared in various publications from Woman’s Weekly to Gay Times, and he wrote the Danza in Italia column for Dancing Times magazine. Graham was the historical advisor on Codice Carla, the 2023 documentary on Carla Fracci.
Graham also works as a dance photographer, and his photos have appeared in many books, theatre programmes, and magazines, including Dancing Times, Dance Spirit and Ballet2000, as well as all the major Italian newspapers.
He is a member of the Dance Section of The Critics’ Circle.