Cristian Laverde Koenig

Originally from Cali, Colombia, Cristian Laverde König began his formal ballet training at Incolballet and continued his studies at the National School of Ballet in Havana, Cuba, on a full scholarship, immersing himself in the Cuban Ballet School syllabus and refining his technique under esteemed Cuban ballet masters such as Adria Velazquez and Ramona de Saa.

A finalist in international ballet competitions in Havana and Jackson, MS, Laverde König began his professional career with the National Ballet of Cuba under Alicia Alonso, performing its vast repertoire on national and international tours. He went on to dance as a soloist with Ballet de Cali, Hartford Ballet, and Ballet Internationale, working with renowned ballet masters such as Josefina Méndez, Alla Osipenko, Flemming Flindt, and Irina Kolpakova. He then joined Maximum Dance Company and later the Milwaukee Ballet as a principal dancer, expanding his repertoire with works by Ivonice Satie, Jean-Christophe Blavier, Lila York, and Christopher Gable, among others.

As a freelance artist, Laverde König has performed worldwide, collaborating with companies such as Dominic Walsh Dance Theater, Oakland Ballet, and the National Ballet of Slovakia, as well as participating in the inception and development of several dance projects. His repertoire spans leading roles in classical and contemporary works, ranging from Petipa’s classics to those of Balanchine, Tudor, Tharp, Duato, and Graham, as well as world premieres by choreographers such as Maurice Causey and Karole Armitage. In addition, he has taken on leadership roles, serving as Rehearsal Director for Armitage Gone! Dance and Tabula Rasa Dance Theater, where he helped shape world premieres and coached dancers through innovative contemporary works.

A dedicated mentor and teacher, Laverde König is a sought-after master instructor, leading company classes for Gibney Company, Armitage Gone! Dance, and Tabula Rasa Dance Theater. He also teaches open classes at popular dance studios in New York City and enjoys sharing his expertise with dance artists through a blend of tradition, innovation, and mentorship.

Class Description
Cristian’s class draws from his extensive 30-year professional experience, structurally based on the Cuban School Methodology and Syllabus, and enriched with insights from renowned masters of methods such as Vaganova and Cecchetti. Emphasizing logical progression and the clean execution of ballet technique, the class ensures dancers are well-prepared and transition safely from basic to advanced movements. This approach fosters both progress and longevity, equipping dancers for their daily rehearsals with rigorous training, all while enjoying themselves in class.