Latino Dance Icon Herman Cornejo on "Anima Animal": Bringing a 100-Year-Old Lost Ballet to Miami- INTERVIEW

Miami, known for its vibrant cultural expressions, is hosting one of the most groundbreaking ballet productions of our time this season. 'Anima Animal' is a dance play that not only revives a lost piece of art but also weaves together Latin American heritage with the timeless legacy of ballet. In an exclusive interview with The Latin Times, acclaimed Argentinian dancer Herman Cornejo revealed the passion and purpose behind this transformative work.

'Anima Animal' is fundamentally a tribute to the final creative spark of ballet icon Vaslav Nijinsky, whose unfinished project has been revitalized by Cornejo. The production reimagines Nijinsky's last artistic vision, drawing deeply from the indigenous legends of the Guaraní people.

"Yes, the truth is that it is a divine piece. For me, let's say we started from scratch with the choreography, with the story, rewriting what is the legend of the Urutaú," Cornejo explains. This statement encapsulates the production's essence—a complete reinvention that respects ancient narratives while making them resonate with modern audiences.

After a successful run at New York City's Joyce Theater, the production is coming to South Florida.

Miami, with its dynamic fusion of cultures, provides the perfect backdrop for 'Anima Animal.' The city's diverse energy mirrors the production's blending of traditions.

After the overwhelming response, the performance has already garnered in New York. In Miami, the play is expected to create an equally profound impact as it offers audiences a rare opportunity to experience a fusion of classical ballet with indigenous storytelling.

For Cornejo, the journey of bringing this production to life has been both a professional and personal odyssey. "For me, it was a luxury, a gift to be able to bring this piece to the stage after being buried for over 100 years," he shares, reflecting on the honor of reviving a work that had long remained hidden from the public eye. His dedication is palpable, and his words reveal a deep respect for both the historical context of the piece and the rich cultural heritage it represents.

A journey through nature thanks to dance

The narrative of 'Anima Animal' is as multifaceted as it is transformative. It follows the journey of a man on a quest for self-discovery—an odyssey that encourages him to embrace the noble animal instincts that reside within us all. This exploration of identity, nature, and redemption is underscored by a musical score that takes the audience on a visceral journey through the natural world. "I think that the music and the dance take you on a journey through nature," Cornejo notes, emphasizing how the soundscape complements the choreography and narrative, guiding the audience through a spectrum of emotions.

The production not only retells a forgotten legend, but also pays poignant homage to Nijinsky himself. Nijinsky's life, renowned for his extraordinary talent and tragic end, serves as a poignant reminder of the delicate balance between genius and madness.

In revisiting his final project, Cornejo is not only reviving an artistic vision but also challenging contemporary perceptions. "Precisely this. This was his last project that he had in mind... And shortly after, he was diagnosed with schizophrenia and was completely removed from the stage," he reflects. Today, many would see his struggle through a more compassionate lens, understanding that what was once deemed madness might very well have been the manifestation of genius.

This interplay between historical reverence and modern reinterpretation is particularly poignant in Miami. The performance aims to not only leave its audience with a visual spectacle, but also to ignite a spiritual and emotional transformation."And I feel that one also leaves... with a full soul, as if saying that there are second chances," says Cornejo, alluding to the rejuvenating effect the dance has on its viewers.

Beyond the stage, 'Anima Animal' is a celebration of Latin American cultural identity. By intertwining the indigenous Guaraní legend of the Urutaú with Nijinsky's groundbreaking vision, the production creates a rich production and performance that resonates with audiences from all walks of life. Miami's vibrant arts scene, characterized by its deep-rooted connection to Latin culture, finds an echo in the performance's themes of unity, resilience, and renewal.