the company


BOLERO DANCE THEATRE
was founded under the name Hispanic Dance Theatre in 1997 by Artistic Director Pedro Aurelio. Each season, the company's annual show has either combined a one-act production with mixed repertoire, or has been comprised of a full-length original production. The company balances creative, novel choreography with traditional re-creations.

Highlights of BDT's seasons:

2023 The new production Orpheus debuted, telling the story of the ill-fated lovers Orpheus and Eurydice and their journey to the underworld.

2022 For the company's 25th anniversary production, Goya and the Maja highlighted moments in the life of the noted Spanish painter. The production was later screened online as part of the Victoria Flamenco Festival 2022.

2020 The company was invited to perform in the Moving Inspirations Dance Festival, a showcase of diverse dance traditions featuring local and international performers.

2019 The company presented Zambra, an intimate tablao-style performance of bolero and flamenco repertoire, accompanied by flamenco guitar, vocals, and piano music. 

2018 Carmen Suite combined highlights of the familiar score with flamenco to tell the story in a one-act production. A second act of mixed repertoire included bolero pieces performed in tribute to master teacher Eloy Pericet.

2017 Scheherzade: Tales from the 1001 Nights took audiences on a journey telling the stories of Aladdin and Sinbad through flamenco and oriental dance, in collaboration with Amar Egyptian Dance.

2016 The company was featured at Winter's Eve - A New Year's Celebration at the RBC Convention Centre with a program of Spanish dance and ballet.

2015 The passion and tragedy of Federico Garcia Lorca, Spain’s noted playwright and poet was captured in Lorca for the Winnipeg Fringe Festival. Cinderella was presented in December as a special holiday production.

2014 An original production of Cinderella debuted, blending traditional Spanish music with Prokovief's ballet score.

2013 An original staging of Carmen showcased Bizet's classic melodies combined with flamenco to bring this passionate story to life. Cleopatra was presented during the Winnipeg Fringe Festival.

2012 Cleopatra featured the company alongside Amar Egyptian Dance in a Spanish-Egyptian fusion production. Twenty-five dancers shared the stage to present the company's largest production to date.

2011 Matador was presented, based on the Spanish novel Blood and Sand. This lively adaptation combined bolero dances with flamenco and classical Spanish works to interpret the story. The production was presented again for the Winnipeg Fringe Festival. The company also appeared with the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra in a collaboration with Winnipeg's Contemporary Dancers.

2010 El Amor Brujo incorporated a range of Spanish dance styles in an original production using the musical score by Manuel de Falla. A piano and violin duo brought this noted music to life, interspersed with flamenco guitar, percussion, and vocals.

2009 Alhambra focused on Spanish history at the time of the last Moorish rulers. The company was joined by guest artist Beatriz Barcelo from Spain. The program included a suite choreographed to the music of Ernesto Lecuona.

2008 Picasso presented a journey through the life and works of the famed Spanish artist, incorporating flamenco and classical Spanish dance.

2007 Suite Espagnole highlighted classical Spanish dance, presenting original choreography to music of Isaac Albeniz. Guest artist Beatriz Barcelo travelled from Spain to join the company for its 10th anniversary program. In July, Blood Wedding, based on the play by Garcia Lorca was presented at the Winnipeg Fringe Festival.

2006 Goya to Lorca honoured the work of two noted Spanish artists, painter Francisco de Goya and writer Federico Garcia Lorca. Poetry and tableaux representing famous paintings were interwoven with flamenco pieces and escuela bolera dances in traditional costume.

2005 In March, Spartacus told the story of a slave rebellion in ancient Rome. In July, The House of Bernarda Alba was staged at Winnipeg's annual Fringe Festival.

2004 The House of Bernarda Alba was re-staged from the company's repertoire and presented with live musical accompaniment.

2003 A full program of Spanish dance showcased a production of Carmen with live musical accompaniment. Touring included Brandon, Portage la Prairie, Teulon, Fort Frances, and Kenora. Several members of the company performed in dance sequences for the Miramax film Shall We Dance, released in October 2004 starring Richard Gere and Jennifer Lopez.

2002 Pedro Navaja featured a storyline conveyed through lively Latin choreography. Dancers from the company performed at three different pavilions during Folklorama, Winnipeg's annual cultural festival in August.

2001 Fundraising shows of Spanish and Latin repertoire supported relief efforts for earthquake victims in El Salvador.

2000 Tango Bar told audiences a story through the medium of tango. Dance Fiesta showcased a mixed program of Spanish and Latin dance performed on tour.

1999 Latin Carnival celebrated Winnipeg's hosting of the Pan Am Games with a range of lively Latin dances.

1998 In February, This is Tango told the story of tango's history featuring guest actress Mildred Karen. In June, The House of Bernarda Alba marked the centenary of playwright Federico Garcia Lorca.