As a universal language, dance transcends borders and cultures, fostering a vibrant exchange of creative energy. This principle lies at the heart of the upcoming workshop led by Victor Zarallo and Annabelle Lopez Ochoa – two esteemed figures in the international dance community. Select pre-professional dancers are in for an unforgettable treat and one that will set them up for international careers.
Victor Zarallo, born in Barcelona in 1988, boasts a rich pedigree from the Instituto del Teatro (Barcelona), The John Cranko School (Stuttgart) and The Royal Ballet School (London). His journey has seen him fly through the ranks of Scottish Ballet and Sydney Dance Company. He is now a sought-after teacher and choreographer amongst the top schools in Sydney, where he not only imparts his expertise as a certified teacher of the Royal Academy of Dance but also mentors students at institutions like Sydney Dance Company, Bangarra Dance Theatre and Tanya Pearson Academy, Brent Street, AMPA, National College of Dance Newcastle, Newtown High School and Dance North Academy, and has been a guest teacher for Rose Marii dance studio, Sendai Japan.
Annabelle Lopez Ochoa, a Belgian-Colombian choreographer of unparalleled versatility, has created over 100 works for 79 esteemed dance companies globally. Her narrative ballets, including recent productions such as Callas, La Divina for Ballet Municipal de Santiago de Chile and Coco Chanel for Hong Kong Ballet, Atlanta Ballet and Queensland Ballet, underscore her profound impact on the dance world.
A distinguished educator, she has collaborated with institutions like European School of Ballet (Netherlands), Joffrey Ballet Trainees, Conservatoire National de danse de Paris and Palucca Schule Dresden (Germany), among many others. Lopez Ochoa is one of the world’s busiest choreographers (a quote from Wendy Perron, Dance Magazine 2016).
Zarallo and Lopez Ochoa epitomise the ultimate in artistic collaboration and mentorship. Their workshop promises to ignite creativity and refine technique, empowering the next generation of dancers to thrive in an ever-evolving global dance landscape.
Join us here at Dance Informa for this exclusive interview as we learn more about this special event.
Victor, can you tell us about your collaboration with Annabelle and what this experience will mean for young dancers?
“My relationship with Annabelle began in 2010, during her choreographic workshop at Scottish Ballet. It was further enriched in 2012, with her creation of Streetcar Named Desire, a piece that remains a tremendous success and is widely performed. Our connection has endured, and I deeply admire her personally and professionally.
It is a significant honour for me to invite Annabelle to work with selected students from various dance schools in Sydney. This collaboration offers a rare chance for young Australian dancers to engage with a world-renowned choreographer without international travel, which often entails considerable financial strain. Bringing Annabelle to Sydney gives these students an exceptional opportunity to gain invaluable experience and exposure within their own country.
The workshop will take place on August 17 at Duti Studios in Newtown. This platform enhances their artistic development and bridges the gap between Australian dance opportunities and those available in Europe and America.”
Annabelle, these selected students will be exposed to world-class choreography and gain a glimpse into professional life. What words of wisdom do you have for them?
“Embrace hard work with its ups and downs as part of a rewarding journey. Don’t expect immediate results or strive for perfection. Instead, aim for daily growth, strengthening, evolution, and transformation. Celebrate each step forward, knowing that every challenge is an opportunity to become better, stronger, and more inspired.”
Victor, what makes these workshops and collaborations critical to a pre-professional career?
“This workshop with Annabelle is crucial for young dancers transitioning into professional careers. It allows them to develop essential skills such as clear communication and the ability to interpret and deliver a choreographer’s vision — skills highly valued by major companies.
Additionally, the experience will enhance their emotional intelligence and introduce them to new movement languages, preparing them for the high demands of the professional dance world.”
Annabelle, as a prolific and award-winning choreographer who is highly sought after, how would you describe your approach to your works?
“I always strive to balance being super prepared and completely spontaneous and to be in the moment with the dancers I have in front of me. I dedicate a lot of time to conceptualising my work. I delve deeply into the themes and overall vision for the piece, ensuring that I have a strong foundation and a clear direction. This approach allows me to craft ballets that are rich in structure yet alive with the immediacy and freshness of real-time creativity. It’s a delicate dance between control and freedom.”
Victor, can you share the workshop structure and what you hope the students will take away from their experience?
“The workshop will begin with a 45-minute warm-up led by myself, followed by a three-hour session focusing on Annabelle’s repertoire, specifically L’Effleure. The dancers, who have already been introduced to parts of this repertoire through classes at various dance schools, will have the chance to delve deeper into the piece. The workshop will conclude with a Q&A session, allowing participants to engage directly with Annabelle and benefit from her extensive experience and insights.
I hope the students will take away a transformative experience that leaves a lasting impression on their careers. Working with someone of Annabelle’s calibre provides invaluable insights into the professional world of dance. My goal is for them to feel what it’s like to operate at a professional level, even if just for a day, giving them a clearer understanding of what to expect when they eventually join a company.”
Annabelle, with an outstanding international profile, your presence will grace Australia. Can you tell us about the projects and workshops you will work on here?
“I am thrilled to be coming to Queensland Ballet to stage my narrative ballet, Coco Chanel, the Life of a Fashion Icon. Queensland Ballet is a co-producer of this production, which was created on Hong Kong Ballet and staged at Atlanta Ballet last February. I am excited to see how the company dancers interpret the roles and how the audience will react to the production in a new cultural context.”
Victor, describe Annabelle’s brilliance and what sets her apart on the world stage.
“Annabelle’s brilliance lies in her extraordinary ability to convey powerful narratives through contemporary movement. Her unique approach to communication with dancers allows them to infuse their own emotional journeys into the choreography. Each of her pieces is meticulously crafted with clear, intentional decisions that resonate deeply with both performers and audiences. Her work is celebrated for its profound emotional connection and ability to engage viewers with the on-stage action. Working directly with Annabelle leaves a lasting impression, marking her as a memorable and influential dance figure.”
Annabelle, having successfully created over 100 works and 14 narrative ballets for 79 dance companies worldwide, what is next on your slate?
“I am thrilled that I have been invited to create a new production of Carmen for Miami City Ballet. Additionally, Frida will have its USA premiere this season. I am reimagining the production for a smaller cast of 30 dancers to enable more companies worldwide to perform it. My narrative ballet Vendetta (a take on The Godfather) will be revived at Les Grands Ballets Canadiens in February, and later this season, I will create a new short work for Atlanta Ballet.”
Victor, regarding future collaborations, can you tell us what to expect next or where to seek information?
“Certainly! This workshop with Annabelle is just the beginning, and I plan to continue offering similar, unique opportunities to bridge the gap between pre-professional and professional dance. For updates on future events, please check my website, email victorzarallo.mu@gmail.com, or follow me on Instagram @victorzarallo.”
By Renata Ogayar of Dance Informa.
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