Longtime company dancer Joamanuel Velázquez has announced his retirement after eighteen years with Texas Ballet Theater where he is currently a soloist with the Fort Worth, Texas based company. He will bid farewell to the stage during the final program of the season, Giselle.
In a statement, Artistic Director Tim O’Keefe expresses:
“Joamanuel has made an indelible impact on our company during his time with TBT. Over the years, I’ve had the pleasure of watching him grow as a dancer. His beautiful jumps, impressive athleticism, and ability to connect with audiences in a wide range of roles will be sorely missed.
I look forward to seeing where his artistic passions take him next.”
After training at Ballet Concierto in Puerto Rico and Virginia School of the Arts, the Puerto Rican native arrived at TBT and has since danced the title role in Will Tuckett’s Pinocchio, Ben Stevenson’s Don Quixote, Dracula, and Swan Lake, as well as other ballet’s in the company’s repertoire.
“As I think about the past 18 years I have been at Texas Ballet Theater, I am so thankful for all the experiences, memories, and relationships.
As bittersweet as it is to leave my TBT family, it is equally as exciting to start a new chapter. I will be going into photography full time (a passion I’ve had for many years) as well as enjoying fatherhood and having the flexibility to spend more time with my family.”
– Joamanuel Velázquez, Soloist at Texas Ballet Theater
Featured Photo of Texas Ballet Theater‘s Joamanuel Velázquez in Ben Stevenson’s Mozart Requiem. Photo courtesy of Texas Ballet Theater.