Nelson Madrigal promoted to principal

[Alexandra]

This just in from Boston Ballet:

Artistic Director Mikko Nissinen announced today that Soloist Nelson Madrigal has been promoted to principal dancer as of January 2004. Trained at the National School of Ballet in Havana, Cuba, Madrigal will join

his wife, Lorna Feijóo, as a fellow principal dancer at Boston Ballet.

Noted by The Los Angeles Times, "...for his brilliant turns and jumps, perfect clarity, whether on the ground or in the air, and disarming modesty, a dancing master indeed," Madrigal joined Boston Ballet this season, during which he has impressed Artistic Director Mikko Nissinen. "I am proud to promote this fine dancer. Nelson performed beautifully in Don Quixote, the fall repertoire, and currently in The Nutcracker. He has natural style, charm, strong technique, and excellent partnering skills," said Nissinen.

Prior to the Cuban dancer's 2002 debut with Cincinnati Ballet, Madrigal established himself as a leading dancer with The National Ballet of Cuba, and an artist of extraordinary ability. He trained in the Cuban system of ballet schools, graduating from the National Ballet School in 1994. That same year, Madrigal was awarded the First Prize in the national Youth Dance Contest sponsored by the Association of Stage Artists of the Cuban Writers and Artists' Union.