A Night at the Ballet in Medellin: What to Know 

TLDR? Medellin has several different types of ballet theaters where you can check out all the different interpretations of this dance.

Medellín has a huge art scene. So, you can enjoy theater, music, dance, and ballet performances during your visit.

If you’re looking for a fun night where you can enjoy some more classical entertainment, I recommend going to a ballet show in Medellin. Medellin has classical and folkloric ballet shows that’ll blow your mind.

In this guide, I’ll tell you what to know and where to go for ballet in Medellin. Keep reading to learn more!

Classical Ballet in Medellín

First, let’s talk about classical ballet. Classical ballet is what most of us think of when we hear the word ‘ballet’.

In Medellín, there are three major theaters where you can watch some classical ballet. Here are the top places and what to know.

Ballet Metropolitano de Medellin

Ballet Metropolitano de Medellin opened its doors almost 34 years ago. This ballet school supports Medellin’s classical dance community through its choreographic productions and educational projects.

This organization hosts some of Medellin’s top ballet events and is frequented by national choreographers, dancers, and teachers. In fact, Ballet Metropolitano de Medellin has produced classical ballet projects in the city, presenting ballet shows such as “Nutcracker,” the “King of the Mice,” and “Alice in Wonderland.”

It’s also awarded scholarships to young talents from Medellin and Antioquia, allowing them to venture into the art of classical ballet.

In 2020, the Medellín Metropolitan Ballet performed at the XXV International Ballet Festival in Miami through live broadcasts (due to COVID). Among the theater’s latest and most recognized works is “GaBotero,” which pays tribute to the writer Gabriel Garcia Marquez and the artist Fernando Botero.

Another popular show is “A la Calle,” which is based on the noise, smell, and taste of the streets of Medellin. The theater first debuted it in August 2021, along with international shows such as “La Fille Mal Gardée,” “La Folía,” and “El Messiah.”

The theater also hosted the “Ballet en Familia” program in May of this year. That’s in addition to their virtual programs such as “Ballet en Vivo”.

Andrea Wolf Ballet

For almost 17 years, Andrea Wolf trained dancers both in Medellin and internationally in classical ballet.

Andrea Wolf believes in classical ballet. Through her academy, she managed to preserve and disseminate classical dance as a cultural heritage, contributing to the cultural development of the city and the country.

Andrea Wolf Ballet also holds summer courses for international dancers and presentations in different theaters in the city.

Examples of works carried out through this academy are “Swan Lake” and “Don Quixote,” which are often presented at the Pablo Tobon Uribe Theater.

Allegro Estudio de Danza

Allegro Estudo de Danza is a classical dance academy in Medellin that also promotes artistic projects and dancers from the city in the ballet scene.

Along with Andrea Wolf Ballet, this school has performed in shows such as “Swan Lake.”  In addition, Allegro Estudo de Danza offers master classes and courses for people of all ages.

Folkloric Ballet in Medellin

Folkloric ballet focuses on Colombia’s dance and music, with large-format dance shows that revolve around our cultural identity.

The Ballet Folklorico de Antioquia is the city’s leader in this type of ballet. It promotes Colombian culture through dance, music, and technique, taking it to different stages for over 28 years.

This cultural organization promotes strengthening Colombia’s identity in national and international audiences using artistic expressions through dance.

Through the event “Baila Colombia,” which premiered in 1991, Ballet Folklorica de Antioquia was born in the Metropolitan Theater of Medellin.

Here are examples of their performances:

• “Under the spellbound sky in Medellin” (1992)
• “Land of Drums and Skirts,” (2008)
• “Come to Medellín,” (2010) 

The Ballet Folklorico de Antioquia has won several awards worldwide. They currently offer contemporary dance and tango as well.

Schedule for the Ballet in Medellin

Ballet season started one month ago! Here are shows scheduled at the Pablo Tobon Uribe Theater:

• Taglioni Ballet, May 12th (past event)
• Andrea Wolf Ballet, May 26th, Swan Lake (past event)
• Allegro Studio de Danza, June 9th (past event)
• Metropolitan Ballet, June 23rd, Alice in Wonderland
• Musicreando, July 7th

There are also other scheduled events such as:

• Bach Project, a dance concert at the Metropolitan Theater of Medellin on July 1st
• National Folk Dance Festival, June 24th and 25th at Gomez Plata (a central park in Antioquia)

Watch Ballet in Medellin

If you like to watch ballet shows, you have several options of theatres watch some in Medellin. You can choose to watch classical dances or Colombian folkloric ballet!

And, if you’ve ever wanted to learn ballet, Medellin has many fantastic options for you to learn classical or folk dance techniques!

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