Charlotte Ballet has selected Alejandro Cerrudo as Artistic Director, following an executive search process led by Arts Consulting Group (ACG). He will begin his tenure on May 1, 2022.
A nationally and internationally renowned artist and choreographer, Cerrudo joins Charlotte Ballet following his most recent appointment as resident choreographer at Seattle’s Pacific Northwest Ballet. His 24-year dance career spans classical and contemporary companies throughout Europe and the United States. As a dancer, he has worked with such companies as Victor Ullate Ballet, Stuttgart Ballet, Nederlands Dans Theater 2, and Hubbard Street Dance Chicago.
An award-winning choreographer, Cerrudo has created more than 25 works for professional dance companies around the world. He was the second recipient of the Joyce Theater Foundation’s Rudolf Nureyev Prize for New Dance. Other highlights include “Future Memory” for Pacific Northwest Ballet and “Dos Soles Solos” for Czech National Ballet, both of which were created under COVID-19 restrictions. He has also worked with Hessisches Staatsballet, Ballet Basel, and Jacob’s Pillow.
In making the announcement, Board of Trustees Chair Claire Rauscher said, “The search committee and board overwhelmingly supported Alejandro’s vision and goals for Charlotte Ballet. We are excited to experience his great work and the new and emerging artists and works he brings to Charlotte.”
“I am overjoyed to join Charlotte Ballet and together continue to push the boundaries of ballet and contemporary dance,” said Cerrudo. “I am eager to build upon the company’s identity as one of quality, creativity, and range, while embracing a pioneering perspective to enrich the art form. Together, as an organization, we will strive to position Charlotte Ballet as a creative cultural leader that stands for diversity, equity, and inclusion within its own walls and beyond. It is an absolute honor and privilege to lead Charlotte Ballet into its next chapter.”
“I am thrilled that Charlotte Ballet’s search committee selected Alejandro Cerrudo, one of the world’s most exciting choreographers, as its next Artistic Director,” said ACG Vice President Geoff Chang. “Alejandro’s incredible artistic vision and his deep commitment to diversifying ballet and contemporary dance will benefit not only the company, but the entire Charlotte community. I am excited to see how Alejandro’s broad international connections and his artistic leadership will shape the future of the Charlotte Ballet.”
April 2022