Audience Reviews

AUDIENCE REVIEW: In Memoriam: MAESTRO HÉCTOR ZARASPE (1930-2023)

Company:
n/a

Performance Date:
June 3, 2025

Freeform Review:

M. Gabriela Estrada organized a tribute to Maestro Héctor Zaraspe that provided insight into his life and career. The presentation was given in the Paul Recital Hall at the Juilliard School where Zaraspe was on faculty for many years. Friends, students, and colleagues filled the auditorium. There was dancing, singing, and a little bit of speaking. Each segment was meant to illuminate aspects of Zaraspe's life and career. Of great interest to me was hearing about Zaraspe's early years -- how he did not have money for dance classes but happened to meet Eva Perón's sister and through his plea to her was given a scholarship to study at the Teatro Colón in Buenos Aires.  He realized early on that his goal was to be a dance teacher, and that remained a central part of his career. Estrada presented well-performed dance works (mostly choreographed by her) in the areas of Flamenco, Tango, Escuela Bolera, Argentinian folk dance, and ballet -- which were styles/genres relevant to Zaraspe's teaching, coaching, and choreography. There were also several musical performances including Ave Maria and the Toreador aria from Carmen.  Although I missed seeing choreography by Zaraspe, some of which I had performed while a Juilliard student, the evening was special and gave time for attendees to appreciate and celebrate Mastro Héctor Zaraspe.

Author:
Elizabeth McPherson

Photo Credit:
Photo by Gabriela Estrada