Pedro Ruiz

Pedro and I go waaaaay back. I had the pleasure of working with him on his piece “Places In The Heart” in July 2004. I felt so lucky! It was a great group of dancers that included Alessandra Corona, Cherilyn Franco and Pedro himself. We rehearsed at the beautiful Belvoir Terrace dance studios and performed at the famous Inside/Out stage at Jacobs pillow. Working with Pedro was so much fun and I learned a lot. It was one of the first gigs I ever did. It was a great experience that I never forgot.

Pedro Ruiz is a celebrated choreographer and dancer, born and trained in Cuba, as well as in Venezuela. In December 2014, Ruiz was appointed Associate Artistic Director of Endedans, a contemporary ballet company in Camagüey, Cuba. Pedro is the first Cuban-American given an official position with a Cuban dance company. During his 21-year career as principal dancer with Ballet Hispanico, he also choreographed three critically acclaimed ballets for the company, taught master classes and performed throughout the United States, Europe, and Central and South America. Currently, he is on the staff of the Alvin Ailey School and Marymount Manhattan College; and was recently named Resident Artistic Director of the Arnhold Graduate Dance Program at Hunter.

Some of his works have been performed by: Ballet Contemporaneo Endedans de Camagüey, Cuba, Danza Contemporanea de Cuba, Danza del Alma, Santa Clara, Cuba, The Joffrey Ballet, Luna Negra, The New Jersey Ballet, Dance Theatre of Harlem, Opus, Nimbus, The Jacob’s Pillow Festival, The Harvard Ballet, The Alvin Ailey /Fordham BFA, Marymount College BFA program, the International Gala “Notte Di Stelle”in Italy The School of Ballet Nacional de Cuba, President George Bush’s Birthday Celebration, The 50th Anniversary Gala of Goya with Tito Puente and the Boston Conservatory.

Pedro has performed at the White House for several presidents and is the recipient of a Bessie Award, the Choo-San Goh Award, The Cuban Artist’s Fund, and The Joyce Foundation Award. Pedro was honored by The American Friends of the Ludwig Foundation in 2011, and the FBI honored him for his Public Service in 2011. In 2010, Ruiz founded The Windows Project—a groundbreaking cultural exchange program celebrating the art of dance between the U.S. and Cuba. Pedro has been the subject of two PBS documentaries: Pas de Deux (part of the “In The Life” series), and Coming Home, a PBS documentary nominated for a NY Emmy Award. For more information, visit www.thewindowsproject.org.

Getting Pedro for this series was not easy, he is so busy now! But I am thankful that I can finally present to you one of my earliest sources of inspiration. It has been so long since we have connected. He was shocked to hear the impact he has had on my career even though it was so long ago. While America and Cuba’s relations are being repaired, Finally…I thought it was the perfect time to present one of my favorite Cuban-American artists. It is amazing what he has accomplished. Pedro your achievements continue to inspire me.

When you were little, what did you want to be when you grew up? Did you always want to do what you’re doing now?

Definitely wanted to be a dancer from the beginning

Favorite Things to eat?

Pernil Asado…Roast pork. It is a Cuban dish.

Favorite Books?

Letters To A young Poet by Rainer Maria Rilke

Favorite Movies?

Schidlers List. For me it was a big inspiration.

Favorite Dance Piece or Show/Musical or both?

My first inspiration to become a dancer was Swan Lake. As for musicals Hello Dolly left a big impression on me a young boy in Cuba.

I like dancers who…

…are honest when they dance. Passionate. Dancers that love what they do.

I am afraid of…

…losing the ability to dance. Not being able to do what I love to do.

A dance piece should…

…in one way or another, it has to have a meaning behind it. Even if it is abstract.

Something you like to do other your current job?

Going to museums. seeing art. listening to music.

One of the happiest moments in your life?

When I got the chance to return to Cuba and choreograph a piece for the national company. It was very emotional for me. Actually there was a movie made about it called Pedro Ruiz Coming Home.

One of your most unusual or coolest experiences?

I was honored to be invited to the celebration of the opening of the Cuban Embassy. That was very cool and historic.

One of the most embarrassing moments in your professional career?

Performing at Jacobs Pillow a female dancer ran into me and broke my nose. I was bleeding everywhere but I kept going. I was so embarrassed.

Who has been the most influential person/people in your life? or Career? and why?

Tina Ramirez. Besides being my director for 21 years, she was also the one who gave me the opportunity to be in the United States and also as a choreographer. When I was a young choreographer, I will never forget what she told me, she said “When you do something, do something that is related to you and related to your heart”