Mr. Pedro, as his dancers call him, holds space near to my heart as he became Artistic Director of Southwest Virginia Ballet, my former dance studio. A native of Venezuela, he performed with Ballet Nacional of Caracas, New York Dance Theatre, and with Richmond Ballet. He coached, taught, and choreographed for the School of Richmond Ballet, Chesterfield Ballet School, and Wheelchair Miss Richmond. For 14 years he worked with the Minds in Motion program in Richmond, Charlottesville, Martinsville, Salem, and Roanoke City Schools. Beginning in 2012, he developed Dance Español for 4th graders in public schools. In 2013, he created a Ballet program for Roanoke City Middle Schools. He has brought SVB to be recognized locally, regionally, nationally and internationally. In 2009, he was awarded the Perry F. Kendig Award for Outstanding Performing Artist. In 2017, he received the Bransow Award in recognition of exceptional dedication and service to the Virginia Museum Community. He is a Resident Artist for Carilion Clinic Healing Art Program. He is a board member of Thursday Morning Music Club as Dance Chairman of Footnotes and Roanoke City Public School Education Foundation, Inc. Currently, Mr. Pedro and Southwest Virginia Ballet are preparing for the televised version of their Nutcracker via Blue Ridge PBS December 11 & 13th. He inspires dancers and educators to always explore, create, and unite through movement.
