The University of Almería (UAL) has inaugurated its Own Degree in Dance for the Stage, a pioneering initiative in Spain aimed at providing continuity to the artistic and technical preparation of dancers. The program, which began on October 1st, presented its first performance at the Kina Jiménez Professional Dance Conservatory, featuring principal dancers from the National Dance Company and the Nacho Duato Young Ballet.
The event was attended by María del Mar Ruiz, Vice-Rector of Culture and Society at UAL; María del Carmen Martínez, Director of the Secretariat for Continuing Education; Jorge Tarifa and Ángel Rodríguez, academic and artistic directors of the degree, respectively; and Isabel Guirado, director of Kina Jiménez. Representatives from UAL, the Councilor for Culture, Joaquín Pérez de la Blanca, and Kina Jiménez, the namesake of the conservatory, were also present.
Performances included ‘Changes’, an absolute premiere choreographed by Ángel Rodríguez; ‘L’amoroso0’, choreographed by Nacho Duato; and an excerpt from ‘Muñecos de papel’, also by Ángel Rodríguez, performed by the students.
María del Mar Ruiz highlighted the creation of the university dance company ‘La Joven de la UAL’ and the practical nature of the training, which will offer performance opportunities in various locations. She emphasized the university's commitment to responding to social and cultural demand.
María del Carmen Martínez explained that the degree, with 1,163 hours of training, aims to consolidate the maturity of performers and equip them with the tools for professional practice, responding to the constant technical and artistic evolution of dance.
Jorge Tarifa stressed the importance of incorporating performing arts into UAL's academic offerings, while Ángel Rodríguez emphasized the pioneering nature of the project nationally and its goals for international recognition of dance in Almería.
Isabel Guirado positively assessed the initiative, which stems from previous projects at the conservatory and will allow students completing their Professional Level to have a pathway to dance in companies after their training.
The Councilor for Culture, Joaquín Pérez de la Blanca, welcomed the initiative and assured the City Council's collaboration in projects that create opportunities for young talent and expand the city's cultural offerings.
