Alejandro Cervera on Creativity, Culture & Choreography: A Life in Dance and Music
Renowned choreographer and musician Alejandro Cervera shares insights on his artistic process, cultural influences, and career in dance and opera. From staging Vivaldi's Four Seasons to collaborating with Ballet Hispánico, Cervera reflects on his journey, creative challenges, and the moments that shaped him.
What's a typical day in your life look like?:
If I don't have rehearsals or performances, I go to the gym, have lunch, take a nap, use WhatsApp or emails looking for new jobs or opportunities. If I'm preparing a new project, I usually look for music, sounds, images, photographs and texts in relation to the new piece. In the evening I usually play the piano. Bach and Chopin mostly. I always watch a movie. I love movies.
What is the most rewarding part of your work?:
The encounter with the dancers and creative team. The audience response. The surprise of a new piece.
How would you say your upbringing and cultural background contributed to your career aspirations?:
Good music was playing in my house.
Also, I had a neighbor who played the piano very well and I would listen to her playing through the wall. Maybe that was the beginning of my musical awakening.
What would you say is a common question or concern you get from your clients/followers?:
How many dancers? How long will the piece be? How many costume pieces? How many rehearsal hours?
What would you say has been your biggest obstacle in launching a successful career? How have you overcome it?:
I am quite happy with my career as a choreographer, but sometimes I feel sad or disoriented. You have to ride that cloud and patiently wait for the melons to fit into the cart.
What is the phrase, sentence, or conversation that stopped you in your tracks and changed your outlook in life?:
When I realized you have only one life and we know very little about eternity.
If you had the choice to go back to your past or fast forward to your future, which one would you choose? Why?:
Go to the future without a doubt.
Because I have an idea of the past but the future seems to be unpredictable.
What are you committed to doing no matter what happens?:
Looking for love.
Where might you be found on a Saturday afternoon with no plans?:
Coffee with friends?
If you were to meet 10 year old you, what would you say to them?:
Enjoy your age now and ever.
What is something you’re willing to start all over again?:
Bach's Concierto Italiano
When are you the happiest?:
When I have an illusion
What is stopping you?:
Fakeness
Hypocrisy
Ingratitude
Hustle culture and burnout is so prominent in our community. How do you prioritize self care?:
I have not had a very busy stressful life, thank God. But I am very attentive.
Same goes for imposter syndrome. How do you combat those feelings (if any)?:
I don't have them. I get rid of them quickly when they just poke their heads out.
How do you stay connected to your culture, heritage, and community?:
Internet, WhatsApp, phone, trips, cultural activities, books.
What would 18-year-old you say about where you are at in life now?:
Life goes by faster than we think. Love everything you can. Defend your ideas. Be respectful of yourself.
What accomplishment are you most proud of, both in your personal and professional life?:
I am a good boy. I am an honest and decent person.
When have you felt like you had to hide or change parts of yourself to fit in or be accepted?:
During the dictatorship in Argentina in 1977, homosexual people were persecuted. I often had to deny my sexual orientation. I still feel aggrieved.
Drink 🫖
What is Alejandro’s go-to drink?
Coffee. Always coffee. From Colombia or Brazil. Espresso at a cafe, at home, with friends, or alone in the morning, never at night.
Listening To 🎧
What is Alejandro listening to at the moment?
Italian Baroque: Vivaldi, Corelli, Scarlatti. But Bach and Chopin when it’s on piano.
Your Truth 🗣️
What is a Alejandro’s truth?
I’m interested in the public and myself. I hope that my work can be enjoyed by everyday people and that it is honest and meaningful to me. That’s a truth that’s shaped my mission.
Your Plug 🔌
What is Alejandro plugging today?
I’m working on a new staging of Vivaldi's Four Seasons. There’s always something new that appears and something old to take out. In the work, it’s like removing weeds from a path so that you can see where it will take you.
I’m also collaborating with Ballet Hispanico for a one night only event, an Evening of Tango Works & Process at the Guggenheim on March 3, 2025.
More about Alejandro Cervera
Alejandro is a choreographer, musician, and he stages operas. He was born in Buenos Aires, Argentina. He likes animals, plants, and traveling and he’s a kind and honest person.
Tickets for Tango with Alejandro Cervera, Graciela Daniele, and Matthew Neenan