Today we’d like to introduce you to Nerea Barrondo.
Hi Nerea, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I started dancing at the age of 3 in a small ballet studio in Bilbao, Spain. When I was 11, I joined “Escuela de Danza Igor Yebra” where I had a Russian teacher who was trained in the Vaganova method. She introduced me to the beauty and discipline that is required to master the Russian ballet technique. At the age of 13, I auditioned to join the “Real Conservatorio de Danza Mariemma” one of the most prestigious ballet schools in Spain. I was accepted in a higher level for my age. Although I gained a lot of knowledge through their dance program and living alone for the first time, I knew that my heart was set in the Russian training. After a year I auditioned for the Bolshoi Ballet Academy in Moscow and was accepted into their “Internship year”. After successfully passing my end of the year exams I was offered to join the 3-year program which included graduating with a “ballet artist” diploma and 2 Russian language degrees. During my years in Moscow, I competed at 4 renowned ballet competitions: the Rieti ballet competition (Italy) where I won the 3rd prize, the prestigious Prix de Lausanne competition (Switzerland), won the 1st and 2nd prize at the ballet competition in Pisa (Italy) and got top 12 in both classical and contemporary divisions at the YAGP competition in Paris. Living in Moscow wasn’t easy at first with the difficulties of learning a new language, culture, and traditions, but I wouldn’t be the dancer that I am today without its training and passion for the ballet art form. After my graduation, I got the great opportunity to join the Russian State Ballet company where I performed in productions of Giselle, Swan Lake, and Nutcracker. In 2017 I joined the Gelsey Kirkland Ballet in NYC. During my first year as a professional dancer, I had the amazing opportunity to debut in many principal roles such as Marié in “The Nutcracker”, Lead couple in La Vivandiere, “Talisman” pas de deux, and Maria in Cavalry Halt. In 2018 I joined the Roxey Ballet in New Jersey for 2 seasons. During my time at the Roxey ballet, I continued to perform principal roles such as the Sugar Plum fairy, Snow queen and Dew Drop in the “Nutcracker”, Michaela in “Carmen”, “Don Quixote” pas de deux, Mina in “Dracula”, Shanti in “Mowgli” and Carmina Burana. Besides having great opportunities on stage, I was also honored to perform in many outreach performances for schools and different locations of the community. I also became a faculty member of the Mill Ballet School and began my journey as a ballet teacher. In 2019 I joined Ballet Frontier of Texas; this will be my 3rd season with the company. These 3 years in Ballet Frontier have been amazing! I’m getting to keep growing as a ballet artist thanks to the inspiring coaching of Ms. Enrica, Mr. Chung Lin, and Ms. Lainey. They have given me great opportunities to perform principal roles such as the Sugar Plum Fairy and the Snow Queen in the “Nutcracker”, Princess Aurora in “Sleeping Beauty”, Butterfly lovers, Diana and Actaeon pas de deux, Effy in “La Sylphide”, “oh, Darling”, Le Corsaire pas de deux, Pas de trois in “Swan Lake” and other original pieces by Mr. Chung Lin.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I can’t say that my years as a ballet student were easy. As a foreign student in Moscow, I was always compared to the Russian students and their stereotypes of how a “ballerina’s body” should look like. The average height for a ballet dancer is about 5”6, I’m only 5”1. I had many teachers tell me that I wouldn’t be able to become a professional ballet dancer because I wasn’t tall enough. It was very discouraging to hear that but it made me work harder. Now I’m a professional dancer performing leading roles and every time I walk on stage, I feel that it was all worth it.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I’m a professional ballet dancer, ballet teacher, and YouTuber. I specialize in classical ballet, although I have also performed in neoclassical and contemporary dance productions.
I’m from Spain but I’m known for my strong Russian ballet technique. The Russian ballet technique is among the best in the world as ballet is a big part of their culture. When I was a student living in Moscow I learned to appreciate and grow my love for the art form. I was also blessed to have had the opportunity to learn from legendary ballet masters, only a handful of dancers have this privilege.
We’d love to hear about any fond memories you have from when you were growing up?
My favorite childhood memory was going to watch a performance at the Bolshoi Ballet Theatre. We would wake up early in the morning to get the student tickets, spend the day in the Red Square and watch the show in the evening. After the performance, I would get so inspired and motivated to go to ballet class the next day.
Contact Info:
- Email: nerea.barrondo@yandex.ru
- Website: https://www.balletfrontier.org/nerea-barrondo
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nerechka/
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/c/%E3%83%8D%E3%83%AC%E3%82%A2%E3%81%95%E3%82%93Channel
Image Credits:
Ballet Frontier of Texas Prix de Lausanne
