Rafael Ferreras
Artistic Director
Ballet San Antonio
Instructor
School of Ballet San Antonio
Home State:
Santiago, Dominican Republic
Joined BSA:
2020
Joined SBSA:
2021
Rafael Ferreras’ career exemplifies a profound dedication to ballet as both a performer and a choreographer. Having trained at prestigious institutions like the Joffrey Ballet School and the Dance Theatre of Harlem, Ferreras has built a remarkable legacy since arriving in the United States from the Dominican Republic in 1991.
Performance Highlights:
• He began his professional journey with the Hartford Ballet in 1997, performing works by renowned choreographers such as Kirk Peterson and George Balanchine, along with classical ballets like The Sleeping Beauty and The Nutcracker.
• Ferreras became a leading dancer at Ballet Memphis, taking on principal roles in productions such as Romeo and Juliet, Dracula, The Firebird, Le Corsaire, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Swan Lake, and Cinderella.
• Beyond Ballet Memphis, he danced with several notable companies, including Tulsa Ballet, New Jersey Ballet, and The Metropolitan Opera, working under acclaimed choreographers like Nacho Duato, Paul Taylor, George Balanchine, and Merce Cunningham.
Choreographic Achievements:
• Ferreras’ first major choreographic work, Politics, premiered in New York City in 2005. He continued to create original ballets for Ballet Memphis, showcasing his innovative storytelling through movement.
• His role expanded in 2020 when he joined Ballet San Antonio as rehearsal director. Since then, he has choreographed significant pieces, such as Night at the Castle excerpts from The Sleeping Beauty and Swan Lake, as well as a full-length A Midsummer Night’s Dream in 2024.
• His collaboration with San Antonio arts organizations further solidified his reputation. In 2022, he choreographed Romeo and Juliet for Opera San Antonio and original works with Agarita and San Antonio College.
• In 2024, his choreography for A West Side Story at the Classic Theatre of San Antonio earned widespread acclaim and the prestigious Globe Award for the 2023-2024 season.
Legacy and Impact:
Rafael Ferreras has not only enriched ballet companies with his performance artistry but has also empowered dancers and audiences through his innovative choreography. His collaborations have bridged the gap between ballet and other art forms, ensuring his impact resonates far beyond traditional ballet stages.