Harlequin rewards Antonio Najarro

Last April 29th, the Harlequin First Prize was awarded during the Gala dinner organised within the framework of the International Day for Dance, which took place at the Theatre of Madrid. For this first edition, the Harlequin Prize was awarded to Antonio Najarro, a young Spanish choreographer.

Harlequin Prize candidates must have less than 5 years experience as a choreographer. They also have to have an enterprising and innovative spirit and have recognition on a national level as well as on an international one.

The Harlequin prize was awarded to Antonio Najarro. This promising young choreographer met all the selection’s criteria. Talented with a natural sense of perfection, he has his own company and has merged Spanish dancing with other forms of dance and music. These innovative creations won a huge success.

The Harlequin Prize was an exclusive sculpture of Francisco Gálvez, a ceramist from Madrid who, through his artistic vision, translated the talent and the creativity that the Harlequin group intended to reward with this Prize.

Harlequin DUO™ in the limelight

The Gala dinner took place on the first dance floor created by Harlequin 30 years ago: the Harlequin DUO™ dance and stage floor. This is the floor which started the history of dance floors, not only for Harlequin, but for the world of dancing and theatre as well. In 30 years, Harlequin developed a complete range of dance floors and sprung floors and is currently the uncontested world leader.

A tribute to Aurora Pons

Two other prizes were awarded at the Gala dinner. On the one hand, the Zapato Rojo Prize which is traditionally awarded to a person or an institution which contributes to the diffusion of dancing. This prize was awarded to La Casa Encendida, a social project of Cajamadrid.

On the other hand, Aurora Pons received a well-deserved tribute for her entire career. Dancer, choreographer and ballet master, Aurora Pons lives for and through dancing.

Reputable companies and dancers presented choreography extracts which were performed by Aurora Pons throughout her career.

30.04.2009