Cesar was performing as Ali, a role he’s “danced like an international star, knitting the most challenging jumps and pirouettes into lithe, liquid, musical phrases” (The Guardian), alongside Artistic Director and Lead Principal Tamara Rojo in the role of Medora, and Lead Principal Isaac Hernandez in the role of Conrad. At the end of the show, while the dancers were taking their final bows, Tamara announced Cesar’s promotion to Principal.
Trained by his Cuban parents Taina Morales and Jesus Corrales, both of whom are professional ballet dancers, he joined the Company in 2014 after winning the Grand Prix Award and Artistry Award at the Youth America Grand Prix.
The now 20-year-old Cesar has quickly risen through the ranks since joining. In 2015, he was promoted to Junior Soloist, and in 2016, after winning both the 2016 Emerging Dancer Award and the 2016 People’s Choice Award, Cesar was promoted again to First Soloist. Upon winning Artistic Director Tamara Rojo said:
“Cesar is a very charismatic artist. He has an incredibly polished classical technique, and the ability to move in many different ways.”
Past roles that Cesar has performed with English National Ballet include Ali in Le Corsaire, Nephew in Nutcracker, originating the role of Hilarion in Akram Khan’s Giselle, and most notably, the charismatic Mercutio in Nureyev’s Romeo & Juliet.
Cesar will next perform in Nureyev’s Romeo & Juliet when we bring it to Southbank Centre from 1 – 5 August, reprising his much-loved interpretation of the role of Mercutio. Book your tickets now.
