The hidden jewels of Teatro Colón

His steps are measured, precise, his movement careful and yet there is a strength, a presence, that catches the eye and the attention. Federico Fernandez is an earnest and intense dancer, one that understands his roles and does not need to fall into an obvious theatrical play. The interpretation is happening under his skin, in small adjustments of muscular tension, in an abandonment to the moment. It is rare to see such a young dancer with such an awareness of the scene in its many facets, with such simplicity and concentration. For moments you can see how the audience is not even there for him, how he lives within movement, eats the space with those eager feet, slides like silk over the floor. The barrier between self, imagination and action is so thin that one aspect seeps through into the other. A mature, self abiding dancer. His latest role has been the main character in Mac Millan's “Manon”. Soon to follow a lead role in “Corsaire”. He has been dancing lead roles on and off for a while, has been invited as a guest to companies throughout Latin America and even offered positions in international companies. But that same singularity of thought that makes him an excellent dancer, also mirrors in his decisions. Federico likes Buenos Aires, he likes his theatre and does not wish to leave it. Is it that peace of mind, that makes watching him such a soothing experience?

Many top dancers have passed through the Ballet Company of Teatro Colón and moved on, some coming back every now and again for one production, others have disappeared permanently. The flight of talent has hit the company hard. But then, there are many hidden jewels in this theatre. Teatro Colón is the latest amongst lyrical theatres, its architecture alone is a marvelous sight. It is the only Latin American theatre with its own production workshops. The Ballet is emblematic for all of South America. The corridors whisper of so much history, so many glorious moments and standing on the main stage makes you fall silent, feel small and insignificant. On the other hand there are talents such as Federico, a lead dancer with a contract of the corps de ballet. A hidden jewel. With his 24 years, he is the youngest of the stable company. There is no space for young dancers to follow, since the available spots are occupied with dancers who are far over the age of dancing, but cannot be pensioned. The upcoming premiere of “Corsaire” with Paloma Herrera from the American Ballet Theater as a guest will be canceled. The dancers cannot rehearse, because they do not have proper floors to work on. Someone seems to be working very hard to hide those jewels and to loose them to others who appreciate them. Despite all and despite the tired look on his face, Federico manages to smile, he is confident that everything will turn out just fine, he believes in the future of “his” theatre, a theatre whose management does not seem to realize how lucky it is to have the support of its artists, to witness such determination and good will.