New York City Ballet

Lourdes Lopez was a celebrated Principal Dancer with New York City Ballet (NYCB). She first received a full scholarship to School of American Ballet, the training ground for NYCB. By 14, Lopez had moved to New York City for the Winter Term and by the age of sixteen, Lopez was handpicked by George Balanchine to join NYCB. Her twenty-four-year dancing career included leading roles in Balanchine’s Stravinsky Violin Concerto, Firebird, Serenade, Symphony in C, and Agon, as well as Robbins’ Dances at a Gathering, Glass Pieces and Fancy Free. Lourdes’ partners included Peter Martins; who later became her Ballet Master in Chief at New York City Ballet, Nikolaj Hubbe; who later became Artistic Director of Royal Danish Ballet, and Jock Soto; acclaimed former teacher at School of American Ballet. Her performances were celebrated for their technical clarity, emotional expressiveness, and dynamic stage presence.

She contributed to NYCB’s Family Matinee series, introducing young audiences to artistry through demonstrations and talks. In 1997, Lopez appeared on Sesame Street with fellow NYCB Principal Jock Soto. Her performances were also broadcast on Live from Lincoln Center. Lopez danced internationally, including to her native Cuba.