MEDIATHEK

Javier de Frutos was born in Caracas, Venezuela in 1963 where he began his dance training. He went on to study at the London School of Contemporary Dance and in New York at the Merce Cunningham studio and with Barbara Mahler and Sara Rudner. In 1989, he joined Laura Dean Dancers and Musicians and in 1992, he was appointed Choreographer in Residence at Movement Research in New York City. He returned to London in 1994, where he established the Javier De Frutos Dance Company, for which he created 24 pieces including Grass, which won a South Bank Show Award. His work is in the repertoire of many dance companies including: Rotterdam Dance Group (The Fortune Biscuit), Ballet Shindowski (E Muoio Disperato...), Rambert Dance Company (The Celebrated Soubrette and Elsa Canasta), the Royal New Zealand Ballet (Milagros and the recent re-staging of The Celebrated Soubrette), Candoco (I hastened through my death scene to catch your last act, and Sour Milk). In 2004, Javier created his first work for Gothenburg Ballet in Sweden set to three string quartets by Michael Daugherty. Javier has received a great number of accolades including two nominations for the Manchester Evening News Theatre Awards and a nomination for the International Theatre Institute Award. He was the recipient of the 1995 Paul Hamlyn Award, the 1996 Bagnolet Prix d' Auteur, the 1997 South Bank Show Award and a two year Arts Council of England Fellowship in 2000. In 2004, he won the Critics’ Circle National Dance Award for Best Choreography (Modern), was a Time Out Award winner and an Olivier Award nominee. In 1999, his achievements were recognised with an hour long documentary produced by the prestigious South Bank Show. The programme was nominated for a Royal Television Society Awards. In 2000, the digital channel Artsworld made an hour long documentary about the making of The Celebrated Soubrette for Rambert Dance Company, as well as a companion broadcast of its performance at Sadler’s Wells Theatre, London. His Ballet Milagros features in the documentary celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Royal New Zealand Ballet. Javier's award winning choreography has marked him out as an original, thoughtful artist. His work is noted for its evocative and passionate theatricality. (Quelle: www.phoenixdancetheatre.co.uk)