At its meeting on Thursday 21 October 2021, the Board of the Finnish National Opera and Ballet appointed Javier Torres López to the position of the Artistic Director of the Finnish National Ballet. The Board made its decision unanimously on the motion of General Director Gita Kadambi.
Javier Torres is well versed in classical ballet and contemporary dance and possesses over 30 years of experience as a choreographer and teacher. He is also in great demand as a lecturer. Over his long career, he has gained an extensive network of contacts in Finland and abroad. Aside from his artistic vision, he possesses excellent management skills and the ability to delegate duties and adopt a long-term approach to working on a financially sustainable basis. Torres used to work as a dancer in the Finnish National Ballet during 1991–2008. The latest of his choreographies performed in the Finnish National Ballet is the beloved Sleeping Beauty this autumn.
Javier Torres will assume his new position on 1 August 2022. The fixed-term contract with an option for an additional three years extends up to 31 July 2026.