Spanish choreographer: there is a lack of dancers in Panama

Spanish dancer and choreographer Fernando Hurtadohead of the company that bears his name, believes that the lack of professional dancers in Panama is due to the fact that this art is generally seen as a pastime rather than a means of earning a living, which belittles his experience.

“Here they see art as a pastime, not as a serious business”told EFE the Spanish choreographer who is participating in the Festival of Performing Arts (FAE23) in Panama this week.

Hurtado, who has been recording at such artistic events for 23 years, He warned that young people think it is more profitable to be an architect, economist or doctor than to dedicate themselves to art.

“In Panama, an actor or a dancer doesn’t make a living from this. Fortunately, since I dedicated myself, I make a living from dancing, so in Europe it is possible to take classes and dance, but here it is very difficult to make a living from this”He said.

The former football player pointed out that family support must exist so that boys and girls from Panama stay in dance and other performing arts.

“If they don’t have family support, they leave and stop dancing and the talent is lost”Hurtado said.

He pointed out that they were two boys from Panama who were dancing Europeand one of them just got a two-year contract in a big company.

In addition, Hurtado noted, in a macho society, the cliché that associating dancers with homosexuality also alienates some young people.

“I’ve been told a lot of times (and) if I were gay I wouldn’t have a problem, but a lot of times I’ve been told simply because I’ve committed to this”said Hurtado, who prefers not to think that the lack of men in this art in Panama is because of this.

“You know that cliché of coming out, artists come out, but the rest are kind of hidden”condemned the choreographer.

Hurtado is part of the closing of FAE 2023 this Saturday with a dance group Platformwith whom he has been working for three months.

Regarding the Performing Arts Festival, he pointed out that the capital of Panama becomes the epicenter of art and culture for a week.

“The city could benefit from culture and art every day, for a week, which makes those who organize it and those who support it proud”the Spaniard indicated.

Hurtado pointed out that events like FAE 23 They represent an impetus for performing arts that try to stay relevant over time.

“It is a breath of fresh air for art, which is maintained over time and the whole world should support it”pointed out the Spaniard.