This week, the Ridgefield Conservatory of Dance (RCD) proudly highlights Edgar Cortes—a dedicated teacher, choreographer, and multi-faceted artist who has been a valued faculty member since 2014. Edgar’s deep-rooted experience spans classical ballet, contemporary dance, and innovative choreography, inspiring RCD’s young dancers with both skill and passion.
A Dance Journey from Portugal to New York
Originally from Portugal, Edgar trained at the esteemed School of Dance of the National Conservatory in Lisbon. There, he worked with renowned choreographers from Ballet Gulbenkian and the National Ballet, and his passion and talent soon took him across the globe. In 1995, he received a prestigious scholarship to the Martha Graham School of Contemporary Dance in New York City, where he trained alongside RCD’s Executive Director, Amy Piantaggini, and built an extensive network within the New York dance community. He further honed his craft at the Joffrey Ballet School, collaborating with notable dance companies, including Pearl Lang Dance Theater and Nai-Ni Chen Dance Company.
Touring the World with Les Ballets Trockadero de Monte Carlo
A significant chapter in Edgar’s career was his six-year international tour with the iconic Les Ballets Trockadero de Monte Carlo, where he performed to acclaim on stages worldwide. His global experience with this groundbreaking company continues to inform and enrich his work as an instructor at RCD.
Choreographic Vision: Edgar Cortes Dance Theater
Edgar founded his own company, Edgar Cortes Dance Theater, in 2009. Since then, he has choreographed original works such as UNICORNIUS, Water Poodles, DALI AQUI, Quatro, and SOL-I-DÓ, a piece inspired by Portuguese traditions. His ambitious 2019 production, CIRCOPIA, featured not only professional dancers but also RCD’s faculty, board members, and alumni, embodying Edgar’s commitment to artistic collaboration. Currently, he’s developing NOCTURNAS, a new piece that will premiere in New York next year, with participation from RCD faculty and alumni dancers.
Teaching at RCD and Beyond
At RCD, Edgar teaches Ballet, Pointe, Variations, and contemporary workshops, connecting with students through his vast knowledge and experience. He first joined RCD as a guest artist, setting choreography for students, and now brings his extensive expertise to the studio as a full-time faculty member.
Tins ‘n Pins and RCD’s Drosselmeyer
Edgar’s creativity extends beyond the studio through his whimsical craft line, Tins ‘n Pins, featuring unique upcycled gifts available at local fairs and the RCD boutique. Each holiday season, he takes on the role of Drosselmeyer in RCD’s annual Nutcracker, adding his theatrical flair to this beloved Ridgefield tradition.
Located at 440 Main Street, RCD is a nonprofit dance studio nationally recognized as a “distinguished, high-achieving, pre-professional performing arts school” that “nurtures young dance artists in strong movement technique.” To learn more, visit ridgefielddance.org.
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