Audience Reviews

AUDIENCE REVIEW: In Memoriam: A Tribute to the Life and Legacy of Maestro Héctor Zaraspe

Performance Date:
June 3, 2025

Freeform Review:

The evening of June 3 was one of those nights that invite reflection, awaken living memory, and inspire gratitude for those who have made art a path to transcendence. In the majestic Paul Recital Hall at The Juilliard School, more than a ceremony took place—it was a luminous homage to the life of Maestro Héctor Zaraspe, planting a profound seed of his artistic and human legacy.

Globally renowned as a choreographer, ballet teacher, and artistic director, Zaraspe devoted his life to facilitating generations of artists with excellence, sensitivity, and discipline. His influence reached far beyond international stages—it shaped human and cultural connections that transcended the boundaries of movement.

The atmosphere, intimate and sublime, embraced an audience that was not merely witnessing, but bearing witness to a journey carefully curated by university professor and choreographer M. Gabriela Estrada. Her vision, informed by a close understanding of Maestro Zaraspe, masterfully wove together moments from his childhood and youth in Tucumán, Argentina,  his fervent Catholic devotion, his years of study and acclaim in Spain, and his eventual consecration in New York City. It was in Manhattan where Zaraspe shared his genius with legendary figures such as Rudolf Nureyev and Margot Fonteyn.

In just one hour and forty minutes, the audience was immersed in a sensory journey that included pieces like Ave María and Mañana de Carnaval, works that evoked both spiritual depth and the melancholy of memory. All the performances were acts of remembrance, allowing us—if only for a moment—to become Héctor: a passionate young man who, with determination and vision, became one of the world’s most inventive choreographers. With courage and creativity, he brought tango and flamenco to Broadway, transforming each movement into a declaration of identity.

The acoustics of the Paul Recital Hall carried each voice and interpretation with such clarity that, at times, it felt as if each note whispered directly into my ear. Among the attendees was theater producer Mel Howard, of the acclaimed Tango Argentino, who shared heartfelt anecdotes about the maestro. It was a moving reminder that Zaraspe shaped not only bodies in motion but also souls devoted to art.

Another element that deeply resonated with me was learning about the Zaraspe Foundation, created in 1993, which supported hundreds of artists over the years. This initiative reaffirms his enduring commitment to the arts, to education, and to the preservation of cultural legacy—his influence extending well beyond the stage.

The evening concluded in a more intimate setting, at the maestro’s favorite restaurant, Il Vitellino, in Manhattan. Over Argentine empanadas, red wine, and shared memories, I recalled a conversation I had with him in 2022. In that dialogue, I witnessed not only his vast talent but also his immense humanity—a warmth that remains long after the spotlight fades.

This tribute must not be confined to a single stage. The work deserves to travel the world, carrying with it the story of a man who danced through life with faith, artistry, and dedication—and whose footsteps left an indelible mark.  Bravo, maestro Zaraspe!

Author:
Argelis V. Wesley

Photo Credit:
Argelis V. Wesley