Last Saturday, January 31, Teatro Esperanza hosted De Cerca, a dance production that embraced intimacy, emotion, and direct connection with the audience. The performance offered a close and deeply human experience, reaffirming the company’s commitment to artistry and authenticity.

Philadelphia’s leading dance company presented an evening highlighting latino dancers from the Philadelphia Ballet. The program featured Connection, choreographed by Julio Nunes, and Concierto Françaix, choreographed by Charles Askegard.

During the presentation, audiences enjoyed a restrained yet powerful stage in which movement, the use of silence, and the narrative rhythm played a fundamental role. “De Cerca is an invitation to look without filters, to listen to one another through emotion and truth. We wanted the audience to feel part of the story—not just as spectators, but as close witnesses to what happens on stage,” explained the show’s artistic director, Angel Corella.

The central concept of the play revolves around human relationships and bonds that are built through emotional proximity. This approach was clearly reflected in the staging, which was designed to reduce the distance between artists and audience. “Closeness is not only physical, but also emotional. Every element of the production is conceived to sustain that intimacy,” Corella noted.

The response from Philadelphia’s Latino audience was warm and engaged. “We felt a very special connection; the audience was attentive, present, and responded from a place of emotion. That exchange is what gives meaning to our work.” The heartfelt applause at the end of the performance confirmed the positive reception of the play and the impact it had.

Reflecting on the experience, Corella highlighted the shared energy in the room. “As the artistic director of Philadelphia Ballet, you experience the performance very intensely. Seeing how the work breathes along with the audience and how the message comes through is deeply gratifying.” He added that the core message is a commitment to dance that engages with reality and sparks reflection from a human perspective.

Following the performance, a reception was held at Galeria Esperanza, providing an opportunity for direct interaction between the cast and the audience. “It was a very valuable space. Listening to the audience, sharing impressions, and feeling their closeness after the performance strengthens the sense of community we seek to build through the arts.”

After this successful presentation, the De Cerca team continues preparing enthusiastically for this weekend’s performances, fine-tuning details and keeping alive the energy experienced at Teatro Esperanza, with the expectation of continuing to connect closely with audiences.

For more information about events at Esperanza Arts Center, call (215) 324-0746.