Ballet Nacional del Sodre: Photo Essay

Coming from a cultural capital of the world like New York City, it is hard to enjoy anything less than outstanding. But it has been important to remember that art is about expression, not perfection—although ballerinas may beg to differ...

Regardless of the exactitude of poses, the timing of the movements, or the novelty of the concepts, Austin and I have continued to enjoy our experiences with Uruguay's national ballet.

What has taken more getting accustomed to is that in the theater, photography (without flash) is permitted. While some audience members abuse this privilege to check Whatsapp, or forget to turn off their ringer which can be extremely frustrating, I have enjoyed the ability to capture memories of each performance. Below are a few highlights.

La Bella Durmiente - June 2023

Over the top costumes and sets for this traditional ballet—the first and likely only traditional ballet we will see from BNS. As a former pro ballerina friend put it, where contemporary ballet focuses on expression and movement, traditional ballet prioritizes exactness, a hard skill for a small country's national dance corps.

Dos Hemisferios - August 2023

Our first contemporary ballet experience—a genre we generally prefer made more engaging with tight "leather" and otherwise lots of skin.

No photos from 2024

Or maybe we didn't actually see the ballet last year?

Gala de Ballet - September 2025

Two vastly different but engaging acts.

The first—"Anacer" by Spanish choreographer Joaquín de Luz—was a colorful story about love told through a combination of flamenco, classical (😑), and neoclassical ballet.

The second was the South American debut of a provocative piece challenging dancers to reinvent themselves—"The Stillness That Dances," by Australian choreographer Craig Davidson.

Carmina Burana - December 2025

My favorite show we've seen to date...

Maybe the quality has improved—maybe because it was the final performance of the final show of the season—or maybe my standards have lowered... It could have also been the bold (and minimal) costuming or the live national orchestra and live national choir...

All of the above? Either way, this show gave me goosebumps!