Carlos López: Latino pride and "Like Water for Chocolate" at the American Ballet Theatre in New York City - Interview

When Carlos López talks about "Like Water for Chocolate," the ballet, his eyes look dreamy, and his face starts to change colors. He is proud and can't wait for the audience to see the "magnificent" work his beloved company, the American Ballet Theatre (ABT), will put on stage this July. But behind his emotional reaction, there is more.

For this Spanish ballet maestro, the Repertoire director of the ABT, it's more than the excellence of the staging, the incredible talent of the dancers, or the fact that this is the second season of the ballet inspired by Laura Esquivel's novel. It is the fact that this is a Latino story, recreated in his craft with "great sensibility for the Mexican culture. Every detail has been cared for," he said in an interview with the Latin Times.

"It's the fact that we are contributing to elevate our culture. We are showing who we are in such a beautiful and respectful way. It may be un grano de arena, a drop in the water, but many drops make an ocean, and I want to feel that I have put as many drops there as I could," he explained.

Who is Carlos López

Born and raised in Madrid, López's journey in ballet began serendipitously when his mother enrolled him in one of the city's top ballet academies, recognizing his natural inclination towards dance. His passion and dedication propelled him to international stages, ultimately leading him to a pivotal role at ABT.

"I was always drawn to dance, and my mother, the true artist in our family, recognized this. She made sure I had the opportunity to pursue my passion, enrolling me in a top academy almost by chance," he recalls. His early training at the Víctor Ullate School laid a strong foundation, and by the age of 15, López was performing on international stages.

López's career with ABT began when he joined the company in 2001 as a soloist. He quickly rose to prominence due to his exceptional talent and dedication. Over the years, he has performed leading roles in numerous ballets, including classics such as 'Don Quixote,' 'Swan Lake,' and 'The Nutcracker.' His performances have been characterized by a remarkable blend of technical precision and emotional depth, earning him accolades from audiences and critics alike.

Reflecting on his career transition from dancer to director, López emphasized the importance of curiosity and continuous learning. "While performing, I was always intrigued by the production aspects behind the scenes. This curiosity has been instrumental in my role as a director," he said about his role now. His journey has not been without challenges, including a significant knee injury early in his career that required a year-long recovery. However, his resilience and passion for ballet helped him overcome these obstacles and thrive in his leadership position​.

For López, ballet is "meditation, discipline and passion."

Discussing the physical demands of ballet, López remarked, "Ballet is incredibly demanding on the body. It requires a balance of strength and flexibility, and injuries are an inevitable part of the journey. But the love for dance makes all the pain worthwhile." His own experience with injuries has made him particularly empathetic towards young dancers, emphasizing the importance of proper training and recovery.

"Como Agua para Chocolate" the ballet

In our recent interview, López shared his deep connection to his heritage and how it fuels his work, particularly with the ballet adaptation of "Como Agua para Chocolate." Based on Esquivel's book, this ballet returns for its second season from July 16 to 20, 2024, at the Metropolitan Opera House. The adaptation, choreographed by Christopher Wheeldon and featuring music by Joby Talbot, immerses audiences in a rich tapestry of Mexican culture through its innovative use of traditional instruments and evocative storytelling​.

López spoke passionately about the ballet's success, highlighting the collaborative efforts with music consultant Alondra de la Parra to authentically integrate Mexican sounds into the score. "The sounds of the ocarina, harp, and marimba are woven into the music, creating an atmosphere that is unmistakably Mexican," López explained. This attention to cultural detail helps convey the story of Tita, a young woman bound by familial duty and her forbidden love for Pedro, through the universal language of dance​.

Carlos López's dreams

Looking ahead, López envisions bringing more Latino and Spanish narratives to the ballet stage. "So many rich stories from our culture deserve to be told through ballet. I would love to see works like '100 Years of Solitude' or 'El Amor Brujo' adapted for the stage," he said. His commitment to cultural representation is evident in his work and his aspirations for the future of ballet​ and the promotion of Latino culture as a way to support Latinos and Latino children in the country.

López's work at ABT is a testament to the power of representation and the importance of cultural narratives in the arts. As a prominent figure in the ballet world, he hopes to inspire young Latinos to see themselves in all forms of art and pursue their dreams with determination and pride