Julio Bocca, a renowned Argentine dancer, has been appointed as the artistic director of Argentina’s national ballet company, effective February, as announced by the Teatro Colón in Buenos Aires.
Previously a star with the American Ballet Theater, Bocca was celebrated for his passionate performances and dynamic chemistry with ballerina Alessandra Ferri. Following his retirement from ballet in 2007, it was anticipated that he would eventually lead Argentina’s national ballet, a prospect that has now come to fruition.
The Teatro Colón, where Bocca received his training and launched his professional career, has faced challenges including work inefficiencies and labor unrest.
Bocca expressed his aspirations for the company, stating, “What I want is for this company to find its place among the best in the world. I want what happens inside the Teatro Colón to be as celebrated as the theater itself.”
At 57 years old, Bocca will play a crucial role in a new leadership team at the Teatro Colón, which also includes new directors for the opera and symphony orchestra, headed by Uruguayan Gerardo Grieco, the theater's general director. Bocca and Grieco previously collaborated at the Ballet Nacional Sodre in Montevideo, Uruguay.
Bocca had previously declined offers from the Colón due to unmet conditions related to working hours, performance schedules, dancer attendance at classes, and artistic autonomy. Changes in the city's government, particularly the new culture minister, Gabriela Ricardes, who prioritizes reforming the Colón, have facilitated this appointment.
Ricardes emphasized the importance of assembling a capable team and shifting from a top-down management style to one that encourages collaboration. She views Bocca as emblematic of Argentine talent.
With Ricardes and Grieco's support, Bocca is set to address previous directors' struggles, including inadequate rehearsal time and interference in artistic decisions. Grieco has already increased the workday by one hour, aiming to foster a culture where dancers attend morning classes.
Another challenge is that many dancers, as public employees, face a retirement age of 65, despite most retiring earlier. This has resulted in nearly half of the 88-member troupe not performing on stage. Ricardes and Grieco are working to find solutions to this issue.
Bocca has ambitious plans for the company, including inviting prominent choreographers to create new works and establishing co-productions with international ballet companies. He also seeks to engage guest instructors and form partnerships with prestigious institutions like the Paris Opera Ballet.
His goal is to elevate the company’s standards, retain local talent, and attract dancers from abroad. Bocca believes in the potential of Argentine dancers and has begun reaching out to those currently working internationally.
Ultimately, Bocca aims to ensure that audiences witness the highest caliber of performances when the curtain rises.