Evergreen City Ballet of Renton, Washington, has been a beacon of ballet excellence for three decades, building a robust foundation rooted in community, teamwork and artistic development. As the ballet school embarks on a new era with a transformative curriculum, newly appointed Artistic Director Maximiliano Guerra has already made significant headway in his first year. Guerra shared insights into the values driving this evolution and how they will shape the future of its dancers whilst upholding a legacy with a forward-thinking approach.
Guerra, the distinguished ballet artist from Argentina, began training at age 10. He made his international debut with the Los Angeles Ballet and became a star with the English National Ballet. Guerra has performed with prestigious companies, including The Royal Ballet, Deutsche Oper Berlin, Kirov Ballet, Bolshoi Ballet and Teatro Colón. His repertoire features leading roles in classical and contemporary ballets like Swan Lake, Giselle and The Nutcracker, as well as works by renowned choreographers such as John Neumeier and William Forsythe. As a choreographer, Guerra has created acclaimed works for Teatro Colón Ballet, Stuttgart Ballet and others, blending classical and modern elements.
Guerra is also an esteemed teacher, having led master classes worldwide and mentored numerous successful dancers. He has received several honours, including the Gold Medal Senior at the Varna International Ballet Competition and the UNESCO Messenger of Peace title. As Artistic Director of Evergreen City Ballet, Guerra aims to elevate the company to new heights, expand its repertoire, and enhance ballet’s accessibility and diversity. He believes in ballet’s power to connect people across cultures and generations.
Evergreen City Ballet’s impressive 30-year history is a testament to its commitment to maintaining the essence of its founding values while continually seeking growth and innovation. Guerra emphasizes the importance of preserving the core values while adapting to the dynamic nature of the ballet world.
“The ballet world is always evolving,” he explains. “It’s not the same as 30 or 40 years ago. Even my generation’s dancing feels somewhat outdated compared to today’s standards. The key is to retain the essence of what Evergreen City Ballet stands for and push forward, searching for new ways to enhance our craft.” Highlighting the importance of developing technical skills and personal artistry, he says, “Art requires work and dedication, and the aim is to perform and truly embody and express the art form.”
As Evergreen City Ballet steps into a new chapter, its revamped curriculum aims to address both the evolving landscape of ballet and the needs of dancers today. The curriculum is designed to prepare students for prestigious companies and the global stage. Guerra’s vision includes a curriculum that starts from a young age, focusing on holistic development. “The goal is to create well-rounded dancers capable of adapting to various styles and demands of international companies,” he explains. “We’re not just teaching classical ballet; we’re incorporating modern and contemporary techniques, anatomy, history and even Spanish dance.”
The new curriculum emphasizes early engagement with creative movement, allowing young students to explore and express themselves artistically. They will receive more focused training, including extensive stage time and exposure to diverse dance styles as they progress. The ultimate aim is to ensure that students are well-prepared and versatile by the time they are ready to audition for professional roles.
Recently, one of the most significant milestones for Evergreen City Ballet has been its endorsement by the UNESCO International Council of Dance (CID). This recognition elevates the school’s standing and opens doors for students to engage with the global dance community, and creates a global perspective and international recognition. “CID endorsement is a mark of international credibility,” Guerra says proudly. “It means our students can be recognized and respected worldwide. We’re not just a local school but part of a global network. This recognition also allows us to host international festivals and workshops, further enriching our community and providing students with invaluable opportunities.”
The establishment of the Evergreen City Ballet’s International Dance Festival is one such initiative aimed at fostering a global exchange of ideas and styles. By inviting international companies and artists, the festival will enhance the school’s reputation and offer students firsthand experience with the broader dance community.
Preparing for the professional world is the ultimate goal. Evergreen City Ballet’s Performance Division represents the culmination of the school’s efforts to produce highly skilled, professional dancers. This division focuses on preparing students for the rigours of a professional career, emphasising technical prowess, stage presence, and adaptability. Students in the Performance Division undergo intensive training, including daily ballet classes, repertoire work and conditioning. They learn to perform various roles, from corps de ballet to principal positions, and gain experience that mirrors the demands of professional dance companies. Guerra’s approach ensures that students are technically proficient and artistically versatile. “It’s important for our dancers to be ready for any role and company,” he explains. “We want them to be prepared for auditions and performances, to step into a company and seamlessly integrate into their new environment.”
As Evergreen City Ballet celebrates its 30-year legacy and looks forward to the future, Guerra’s vision reflects a commitment to excellence and innovation. By preserving the school’s core values while embracing new methodologies and international standards, Evergreen City Ballet is poised to continue its tradition of nurturing exceptional talent and shaping the future of ballet. With a renewed focus on global engagement, comprehensive training and artistic development, Evergreen City Ballet stands ready to inspire and lead the next generation of dancers, ensuring that its legacy of excellence endures for many years to come.
For more information, visit www.evergreencityballet.org.
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