Annabelle Lopez Ochoa

Talking about the famous contemporary ballet choreographers, Lopez Ochoa is not to be missed. Lopez Ochoa completed her dance training at Antwerp's Royal Ballet School. After a 12-year performing career in numerous European dance groups, she decided to focus completely on choreography in 2003. Colombian-Belgian choreographer Annabelle Lopez Ochoa was named a "rising star of the Dutch dance scene" in 2003 and is currently well on her way to conquering the world. Her choreographic works have been commissioned and performed all around Europe.

In general, Ochoa's choreography links feelings by means of an abstract but inextricably linked style, which at times relies on outstanding technique. While most of her movements are contemporary, she occasionally throws in a classical virtuosity, like a soaring grand jeté. Her compositions lack clear plot lines or characters due to her usage of the abstract form. She does, however, desire that the dancers "tell a story" inside the work. She accomplishes this by accentuating the eyes and using them as a connecting point between the dancers on stage and the audience.

Before After, a seven-minute duet that "delineates the last moments of a relationship," was Ochoa's first highly recognized piece in the United States. Scapino Ballet Rotterdam, Dutch National Ballet, Djazzex, The Royal Ballet of Flanders, Ballet du Grand Theatre du Genève, Ankara Modern Dance Theater, BalletX, Pennsylvania Ballet, Luna Negra Dance Theater, and Istanbul Modern Dance Theater have all commissioned works by Annabelle Lopez Ochoa.

Born: 1973
Nationality: Belgian