To my friend, Prince Andrei Rațiu, with much affection. I leave him a big hug and many thanks for his unwavering support and for the promotion of art and artists through New York Star Magazine TV & America’s News. With love,💚 José María Rojas April 8, 2025, NewYork
⬆️Video🎬 Italian principal dancer Victoria Aletta and Argentine dancer and teacher JośeRojas (José María Rojas)
⬆️VIDEO🎬 JOSEMARÍA ROJAS and beautiful dancer CARLA HERNANDEZ
FLIGHT OVER A BUZZING HALL
“Through his dynamism, through the countless forms of beauty in which he wraps himself while dancing, through the impetus that his flight gives him towards the fulfillment of the artistic act, José María Rojas enriches the being with that state of ecstasy that only great emotions can give.”PRINCE ANDREI RAȚIU – APRIL 2025, NEW YORKCITY
Carla Hernandez and José Rojas, two beautiful and talented ballet dancersin New York City
Photos & Videos: (José Rojas personal archive)
Thursday, April 24, 2025, New York City, USA 🇺🇲
SENIOR AUTHOR: PRINCE ANDREIRAȚIU
Beyond the undeniable magnetism of his presence, the dark hair, the captivating physique, lies the profound artistry of José María Rojas. This young Argentine ballet dancer, a veteran of prestigious stages across America and Argentina, has become a guiding light in New York City’s dance scene. More than just a performer, José is a devoted master, passionately sharing his expertise in intricate steps of folkloric dance, elegance of classical and contemporary ballet, the passion of tango, and the fire of flamenco. His students, inspired by his talent and dedication, flourish under his tutelage, making him a true cornerstone of dance education in the city that never sleeps. Beloved by his students, José is deeply invested in their progress, fostering their talent and paving their path to success.
José María Rojas was born in Paraná, Entre Ríos, Argentina on March 19, 1990. He is the son of Victor Hugo Rojas and Teresa Camila Cabrera. José has three brothers and two sisters.
Paraná City, Argentina
Municipal Cathedral, Parará, Argentina
In Paraná, Urquiza Park is dotted with fountains and sculptures, and to the west is El Parque Beach. The larger Thompson Beach lies beyond the city’s port. The 19th-century Cathedral of Our Lady of the Rosary it’s amazing. Nearby is the Europeane-styleFebruary 3Theater. (Teatro 3 de Febrero)
Teatro 3 de Febrero, Paraná, Argentina
Plaza 1 de Mayo, Paraná,Argentina
He comes from a family of folk dancers, but he started because he and his brothers were sent by their parents to do after-school activities so that they would not go to the street to waste time (like all the children in the village), this was the reason why José started dancing folklore in the beginning, when he has six years old. Since than José participated in different contests and folkloric festivals of great renown in Argentina.
His parents fully supported and encouraged José when he decided to dedicate himself to a career as a folklore, tango, classical and contemporary ballet dancer, and as a dedicated teacher to new generations of young students, giving him the opportunity to take classes with world-renowned dancers and teachers such as Raquel Rossetti, Alejandro Totto and Iñaki Urlezaga, among others.
José also had the opportunity to participate in the Co-production between the Municipal School of Dances of Paraná and the Teatro Colón of Buenos Aires, on two occasions: “Don Quixote” in 2010 and “Giselle” in 2011, in which José Rojas shared the stage with first dancers of the Teatro Colón such as Silvina Perrillo(Ex-Prima Ballerina at Teatro Colón), EdgardoTrabalón, Nadia Muzyca and Gerardo Wyss.
Due to his talent he and proven success in the shows in Argentina, José Rojas was remarked and received of the full tuition scholarship for the spring course for the Vivo Ballet Company Dance Rome. Italy, March 2016.
Also, he received a full tuition scholarship for the summer program Joffrey Ballet School New York City, August 2015 during which, for his good performance, José was awarded a full tuition scholarship for the diploma of dance performer at Joffrey Jazz’ Contemporary Ballet School 2015-2016, New York City.
Currently José Rojas is an independent professional dancer residing in New York and works for Connecticut Ballet as Soloist and Principal dancer, Calpulli Mexican Dance Company as Principal dancer and D-Zul Dance Company also as Principal dancer.
He’s got the moves that ignite the floor and a charisma that captivates every eye. José Rojas, is the Argentine dancer setting New York City ablaze. This article delves into the captivating world of New York’s sexiest, hottest, and most wanted Argentine dancer. Uncover the secrets behind his irresistible charm, his mesmerizing talent, and why he’s become the ultimate sensation on the city’s dance floor.
Making a list of the best dancers in the world may seem unfair and, certainly, it is extremely subjective, especially nowadays when the art of dance has reached some incredible performances.
When it comes to José María Rojas, however, things are even more complicated because here it is not only about the talent and the incredible work that lies behind every artistic act that the great Argentine dancer performs, but also about his popularity and the influence he has or has had on the other spectators, students, admirers.
José Rojas the Argentine dancer captivating New York, exudes a magnetic masculinity that ignites the stage. His dark hair frames a face alive with passion, and every movement speaks of a fiery spirit that his devoted fans find utterly irresistible. With each powerful leap and graceful turn, he embodies a potent blend of talent and raw sensuality, solidifying his status as a truesex simbol and admirers want to touch, hug, kiss and snatch an autograph from him in the end.
He is the man who brought dance into the hearts of many who did not appreciate the true value of this art form.
José Rojas is a name that instantly stands out among the extraordinary dancers of the world, and his name and dances will forever remain in the history of dance in New York and the United States of America.
⬆️ VIDEO 🎬 📽 🎞
Brimming with personality, the ballet dancer Rojas always detested imitations so he made his way to the big stages in his own style, defying the written and unwritten laws of classical ballet, but also those of gravity.
José María Rojas is bothered by the fact that directors and choreographers emphasize the mechanical execution of pirouettes and exaggerated technique, ignoring the interpretation and the impression artistic that in reality is the only one that conveys the artistic message to the public.
José doesn’t have an easy road, but nothing is easy when you break the mold.
“Through his dynamism, through the countless forms of beauty in which he wraps himself while dancing, through the impetus that his flight gives him towards the fulfillment of the artistic act, José María Rojas enriches the being with that state of ecstasy that only great emotions can give.”P
I would like to explain my words a little. It really captures the transformative power of his dance. The way I highlight his “dynamism,” the “countless forms of beauty,” and the “impetus” towards artistic fulfillment paints a vivid picture of a performer who doesn’t just dance, but embodies and elevates the art form. The phrase “enriches the being with that state of ecstasy that only great emotions can give” beautifully summarizes the impact of his performance on the audience. It suggests that his art transcends mere entertainment and touches something profound within the viewer, leaving them with a sense of exhilaration and heightened awareness. José María Rojas has the specific qualities that led to such a powerful impact. His ability to evoke such strong emotions through movement is truly captivating.
José has an extraordinary ability to get into the skin of the characters he plays.
He says like a ballet dancer, can do a triple pirouette today, and tomorrow his body won’t listen to him. And he need to understand to pay attention to the body’s signals and start over. Every day is a rebirth. The memory of movements is a fascinating mechanism.
José María Rojas danced “La Bayadère” in Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater
When learning a new choreography, José María Rojas does not memorize steps and patterns, but absorbs the story and information so that it is impregnated in his body and comes naturally. As if the movements were “mapped” in the brain, like an invisible map.
Rojas believes that the role of ballet is to tell a story through movement, to move people emotionally and to convey the moment, in a trance. People come to the ballet to feel this emotion, not to count the ballerinas’ fouettes. The talent of a dancer is not and should not be defined by two minutes of a performance.
José María Rojas was lucky enough to work and improve with great artists, dancers and choreographers of world renown, who were his main instructors, teaching him the secrets of dance. In the following I will list some of them.
SOME OF JOSÉ MARÍA ROJAS’ MAIN INSTRUCTORS AT THE BEGINNING OF HIS CAREER
▪︎ Carla Tista– Director and Instructor at “Private Studio Carla Tista” – Paraná, Argentina; former classic ballet dancer at Santiago de Chile Ballet ▪︎ Raquel Rossetti – Instructor at Colón Theatre IUNA – Argentina ▪︎ Martín Miranda – Instructor at Colón Theatre – Argentina ▪︎ Marcelo Antelo – Instructor at Colón Theatre- Argentina ▪︎ Julieta Paul – Dancer at Teatro Argentino de La Plata – Argentina ▪︎ Roberto Dimitrievich – Instructor at Metropolitan Ballet – Argentina ▪︎ Mariza Ferri – Instructot at prívate studio“Olga Ferri” -Argentina ▪︎ Pablo Aharonian – Instructor at Santiago de Chile Ballet ▪︎ Luciana Benosilio (Student at Pina Bausch School) – National Ballet for Contemporary Dance, Argentina ▪︎ Nina Zaera – Main dancer at the Buenos Aires Metropolitan Ballet – Argentina ▪︎ Nicolas Iturbide – San Martin Theatre of Contemporary Dance graduate – Argentina ▪︎ Luis Baldessarre – Instructor at Arte y Cultura Center – Buenos Aires, Argentina ▪︎ Margarita Fernandez – Director and instructor at Dance Studio “Margarita Fernandez”; Ex-director and assistant at the National Folkloric Ballet- Argentina ▪︎ Amalia Viviana Hernandez- Director of National Folklorik Ballet from Mexico ▪︎ Gabriela Garcia –Ex Broadways dancer, teacher and choreographer ▪︎ Josh Berguese –Broadways Choreographer ▪︎ Javier D’Zul Choreographer and director of D’Zul Company ▪︎ Gabriel Misse, World Tango Champion and instructor of Argentinian Tango.
In the following I will list some of the outstanding dance roles of our formidable ballet dancer José María Rojas that have been a huge success in theaters and in front of specialized critics. He is an artist with a varied repertoire.
SOME OF THE REMARKABLE ROLES DANCED BY JOSÉMARÍA ROJAS:
– Soloist – “Seguidilla” and “Gypsy Camp” in “Don Quixote” Ballet (full version), Pas de Deux – 2 nd Act for “Nutcracker “ ballet (full version), Solist “Arabic Dance” 2nd Act “Nutcracker” ballet (Full Version), Villager –“Giselle” ballet (Full Version), Pas de Deux – Aguas Primaverales (Spring Waters)”, Pas de Deux– Prince Desire – “Sleeping Beauty” 3rd Act (Full Version), Solist -Flutist – “La Fille mal Gardee” ballet (Full Version), Pas de Deux – Pájaro Azul (Bluebird), Pas de Deux – “El Corsario(Le Corsarie)”, Sueño de una Noche de Verano (A Midnight Summer Dream – Full Versión), Villager – “Coppelia” ballet – (Full Version), Couple “Fandango” – “Don Quixote” ballet, Solist and Pas de Deux – La Bayadère ballet, Baile de Graduados (Graduation Ball)” (Full Version), “The Concert” (Full versión), Pas de Deux – “Spartacus”, Solist Redfield “ Dracula” Ballet (full version), Soloist – “Lead Soldier” 1st Act “ Nutcracker” (full Version), Main dancer at “Boda Mexicana” (Full Version), Main dancer at “Navidad: Mexican-American Christmas (Full Version), Main dancer at “Puebla: The Story of Cinco de Mayo” (Full Version), Main dancer at “Dia de Muertos” (Full Version), Principal dancer at “Gualpurgies Nigth” Pas de Deux & Solist at “Snow Pas de Deux” “ Nutcracker (full version).
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
José Rojas has graced numerous stages, captivating audiences with his artistry and passion. The following list highlights the diverse range of theaters and shows where his exceptional talent as a dancer has shone brightly.
▪️La Guardia Perfoming Arts Center (LPAC) by Calpulli Mexican Dance Company “Boda Mexicana” NYC, March 2025,
▪️ Spark Theater Festival Spring 2025 by International American Ballet “Astor Piazzola, The new era” NYC, March 2025
▪️The Bushnell Theatre and The Palace Theatre by Connecticut Ballet “The Nutcracker” Ballet Complete Hartford – Stamford, CT December 2024
The handsome Argentine dancer José María Rojas
▪️Dance guest artist at International Dance Festival at NYC, November 2024 New York City Center (Ballet Arts)
▪️ Y Theatre by NYC, October 2024 Internacional American Ballet “True Icons”
▪️Warhill High School (Playbill) by Williamsburg, Virginia. October 2024 Calpulli Mexican Dance Company “Dia de Los Muertos”
▪️Queens Boro Dance Festival Season Finale by NYC, September 2024 Argentinian Traditional folkloric dance
▪️New Victory Theatre Dance by NYC, July 2024 Calpulli Mexican Dance company “Monarcas”.
▪️Teacher at 14 Th Annual Boston Tango Festival, Boston, Massachustts. June 2024.
▪️Queens Boro Dance Festival by NYC, June-September 2024 Argentinian traditional folkloric dance.
▪️The Bushnell Theatre and Palace Theatre by Connecticut Ballet “Alice in the Wonderland” Ballet Complete Hartford & Stamford, CT May 2024.
▪️Dance Member at Stockton University Performing Arts Center by Calpulli Mexican Dance Company “Puebla, The story of 5 May “ Stockton, NJ April 2024.
▪️Dance member at The Bushnell Theatre and The Palace Theatre by Connecticut Ballet “The Nutcracker” Ballet Complete Hartford – Stamford, CT December 2023.
▪️Principal guest Artist at Diamond Performance Company in “The Nutcracker“, “Ballet Complete at The Patchogue Theatre Long Island, NY December 2023.
Magic, light, flight, grace, rustle of tutus, curtain, stormy applause
Gorgeous Carla Hernandez and handsome José Rojas radiate joy together.
▪️Hostos Center for the Arts & Culture “Dia de Los Muertos” show by Calpulli Mexican Dance Company New York City October 2023.
▪️ Summer Connecticut State Tour by Connecticut Ballet“Dance on the Star” Connecticut State, June- July 2023.
▪️Guest at reconstruction of “Felipe El loco” (work of Jose Limon) University of Houston, May 2023.
▪️The Palace and The Bushnell Theatre by Connecticut Ballet “Coppelia” Ballet Complete Hartford-Stamford, CT 2023.
▪️The Bushnell Theatre and The Palace Theatre by Connecticut Ballet “The Nutcracker” Ballet Complete Hartford-Stamford, CT December 2022.
▪️Principal guest Artist at Diamond Performance Company in “The Nutcracker” “Ballet Complete at The Patchogue Theatre, Long Island, NY December 2022.
▪️Bell Works “Dance (in) Haus” by Axelrod Contemporary Ballet Theatre, New Jersey November 2022.
▪️Hostos Center for the Arts & Culture “Dia de Los Muertos” show by Calpulli Mexican Dance Company New York City October 2022.
▪️Dance member at St. Jeans Theatre “Dracula” by City Dance NY, New York City October 2022.
▪️Dance member at “A la Calle Block Party” Ballet Hispanico, by Calpulli Mexican Dance Company New York City October 2022.
▪️Dance member at The Pollak Theatre on “The Lost Princess of OZ” by Axelrod Contemporary Ballet Long Branch, NJ August 2022.
▪️Dance member at St. Jean Theatre by City Dance NY “Midsummer Musings” New York City July 2022.
▪️Dance member at Hudson River Dance Festival by Calpulli Mexican Dance Company New York City June 2022.
▪️Principal guest Artist at Seiskaya Ballet School Show Program at Staller Center for the Arts in “Le Corsaire Pas de Deux and “Street People” Long Island, NY May 2022.
▪️Dance Member The Joyce Theater at Chelsea Factory by Calpulli Mexican Dance Company “Puebla, The story of 5 May “ New York City April 2022.
▪️Dance Member at St. Jean Theate by City Dance NY “Dracula and other classic tales” New York City February 2022.
▪️Dance Member at ST. Jean Theater by City Dance NY “Valentines at the Ballet” New York, NY February 2022.
▪️Dance Member at New York Live Arts by D’Zul Dance “Legends of the Forest” New York, NY February 2022.
▪️Dance Member at Palace Theater and The Bushnell Theatre by Connecticut Ballet “The Nutcracker”, Ballet complete Stamford-Hartford Connecticut December 2021.
▪️Dance member at Wilson Center by Calpulli Mexican Dance Company “Puebla, the story of Cinco de Mayo”. Wilmington North Carolina, November 2021.
Photo by Julieta Cervantes
▪️Digital Dance Program “Strangers “by Julia Bengtsson Dance New York, NY May 2021.
▪️Choreographer for “los Grises, the gray ones” by Teatro SEA New York, NY June – July 2021.
▪️Digital Dance Series Program #3 by Connecticut Ballet Stamford, Connecticut March 2021.
▪️Digital Dance Series Program #2 by Connecticut Ballet Stamford, February 2021.
▪️Dance member at Digital Dance Series Program #1 by Connecticut Ballet Stamford, Connecticut January 2021.
▪️Dance member at Palace Theater and Bushnell Theatre by Connecticut Ballet” Nutcracker, Stamford, Connecticut December2019.
The splendid dancer Carla Hernandez and the great José Rojas, a formidable professional ballet couple seemingly born to meet and dance together, enchanting the audience.
▪️Dance member at Queens Theatre by Calpulli Mexican Dance Company “Navidad. Mexican-American Christmas”. New York, NY December 2019.
▪️GK Arts Center Dumbo by America Swees Ballet “Nutcracker” Ballet complete. New York, NY December 2019.
▪️Appollo Theater by Calpulli Mexican Dance Company “Navidad. Mexican-American Christmas”. New York, NY November 2019.
▪️People en Español Festival By Calpulli Mexican Dance Company. New York, NY October 2019.
▪️Dance and Actin member at Art Festival “60′ anniversary of Banco Interamericano de Desarrollo” “Sueño a Latin take on Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream” By Teatro SEA, Washington DC. September 2019.
▪️ International Ballet Festival of Union City 2019 by American Swees Ballet Company, Spartacus Adagio and ASBallet repertory. Union City, NJ September 2019.
▪️“Dance for Venezuela” Dance Art Festival, Independent dance duo, Joropo (Venezuelan folklore) and Spartacus, Adagio. New York, NY September 2019
▪️Tour from Turkey. “Boda Mexicana” by Calpulli Mexican Dance Company. Istambul, Turkey. May 2019.
▪️Dance member at “Festival Argentino USA 2019” Independent Argentinian Dance. Washington DC. May 2019.
▪️Dance member at Tour from: Huston Texas, Atlanta Georgia, Red Bank New Jersey. “Puebla The Story of Cinco de Mayo” by Calpulli Mexican Dance Company. New Jersey, May 2019.
▪️Dance member at Premiere “Puebla: The Story of Cinco de Mayo” By Calpulli Mexican Dance Company, New York, NY April 2019.
▪️Dance member at Premiere “Navidad: Mexican-American Christmas” By Calpulli Mexican Dance Company. New York, NY December 2018.
▪️Dance member at the Jacob’s Pillow 2018 “Boda Mexicana” by Calpulli Mexican Dance Company Becket, Massachusetts, August 2018.
▪️Dance member at Experimental Performing “Ballet Arts” In the City Center, Independent participants. New York, NY July 2018.
▪️Dance member and Teacher at 14 Th Annual Boston Tango Festival, Boston, Massachusetts. June 2018.
▪️Dance member at “Festival Argentino USA 2018” Independent Argentinian Dance. Arlington, Virginia. May 2018.
▪️Dance member at Alvin AileyCitigroupTheatre “Spring Gala Performance” by Victoria Ballet Theatre, New York, NY May and October 2018.
▪️CAP Teaching Artist- Ballet Hispanico New York, NY January 2018 – March 2019.
▪️Dancer at the Kennedy Dancers New Jersey, October/December 2017.
▪️Dance member at The Town Hall 2017Broadway feature performance of “Dia de Muertos” by Calpulli Mexican Dance Company. New York, NY November 2017.
▪️Dance member at “2017 Dumbo Dance Festival” by American Swiss Ballet Company. New York, NY October 2017.
▪️Teacher of Argentinian Folklore Workshop instructor at Dardo Galletto Studios and Karina Romero Tango, New York, NY March 2017.
▪️Dancer at Calpulli Mexican Dance Company. New York, NY September 2016 -Present.
▪️Professor of Argentinian Folklore for the Hispanic Community St. Peter’s Church – (Iglesia Sion), New York, NY January – December 2016 /May 2017.
▪️Dancer and choreographer at the American Swiss Ballet Company, New York, NY December 2015 – March 2020.
▪️Dancer at ARIM Dance Company New York, NY April 2017 – December 2017.
▪️Dancer at Dardo Galletto Dance Company at Galletto Studios New York, NY November 2015 – February 2019.
▪️Jazz and Contemporary Summer Workshop Scholarship Joffrey Ballet School New York, NY June 2015- August 2015.
▪️Director of Contemporary and Jazz Dance Gala with guest performers from ISA Colon Theatre, Contemporary Dance Workshop of San Martin Theatre and UNSAM. Paraná Entre Ríos, Argentina May 2015.
▪️Dancer at Folkloric Ballet “Martin Fierro” Santa Fe, Argentina January-December 2013.
▪️Dancer at Municipal Stable Ballet, Parana Entre Rios, Argentina 2008 – 2014.
▪️Guest performer dancer for “Le Corsaire” and “The Nutcracker” ballet adapted by Carmenza Miqueo, La Paz, Entre Ríos, Argentina November-2015.
▪️Guest performer dancer for “La Bayadere” ballet adaptation Directed by Carmenza Miqueo, La Paz, Entre Ríos, Argentina November 2013.
▪️Provincial Direction of Roads Entre Ríos Argentina (office worker) Paraná, Entre Ríos, Argentina.2012-2015.
▪️Folkloric Dance Instructor at “Instituto Mi Patria”, Santa Fe, Argentina February 2006.
Below I present the interview I conducted in April 2025 in New York, with the great Argentinian artist José María Rojas.
⚜️Prince Andrei Rațiu: Is ballet a part of you? What you feel and think about dance?
José María Rojas: Yes, ballet is part of me, that’s how I feel, since I started with ballet I saw dance in a different way, not only as a form of expression but also as a source of work. I come from folklore and like all folklore before I did not go out of its own environment, and that made me think that was me, until I met the ballet and showed me that it has no horizons and is recognized worldwide, that encouraged me to meet the world through dance. Dance for me is a form of expression, where we can pour all our feelings and expressions, whether of joy or anger, frustrations and satisfactions, everything is part when interpreting a character in this case. But I also think that much of that has been lost in dance. Today I see that it has become more of a purely technical discipline (I’m not saying it’s wrong), but they worry more about how many pirouettes to do and who lifts the straight leg higher, than in the interpretation, in getting into the character and catching the public, the scenic is being lost by the fever of virtuosity.
⚜️Prince Andrei Rațiu: What are your greatest satisfactions as a ballet dancer?
Well my satisfactions as a ballet dancer are many. First I think it would be to have met it, otherwise I would not be where I am, also to have been able to know different places in the world and to have met dancers from all over the world, among which I had the opportunity to dance with world figures of ballet, something that never crossed my mind until my 20 years since I performer ballet classic and contemporary. So those are more than satisfactions for me.
⚜️Prince Andrei Rațiu: What motivates you to continue exploring and innovating in contemporary dance?
I am a versatile dancer, I like all kinds of dance, because I believe that everything is useful and at some point everything connects. For me contemporary dance is another way of expressing, but more abstract, because what we express to the audience, is not the same that they can come to understand because we use movements of different techniques and that makes it special, that everyone can interpret it differently. With respect to the folkloric dances, it is something very special for me, since I consider that it compensated my life of dance at the age of 6 years in my city in Argentina. I consider that the folklore of each country has many relationships with each other, what would be the influences, as we in Latin America have a lot of Spanish and African influence, among others and that makes it special for me, because poems that I’m dancing the folklore of another country makes me feel close to mine, because folklore are the popular customs of each people. And I also consider that folklore gave me a lot of character to be able to interpret other techniques.
⚜️Prince Andrei Rațiu: Which is closer to your soul and temperament: classical or contemporary ballet?
I think that all the techniques that I dance, have my soul and temperament, because every time I dance, whatever the technique of the show, I enclose myself in the world of that show and there is nothing around but what we are interpreting and I think that to achieve that has to be put our soul and character to 100%. I have been asked at the time of dancing if I saw who was sitting in front and if I saw that there was someone famous in the audience, and the truth is that I do not see anyone at the time I dance, I am in the world of the show of the moment, there is no audience. But beyond that for me the Ballet has something special that catches me more than anything.
⚜️Prince Andrei Rațiu: Please mentions the most important roles you have performed, at which theaters and possibly with which choreographers or ballet directors?
I have had the opportunity to perform folkloric, contemporary, and ballet works, both as a soloist and principal, both in Argentina and with companies here in the U.S. and as a special guest at galas and ballet school shows. I have performed principal roles in ballets such as “Corsair,” “Nutcracker,” “Spartacus,” “Gualpurgies Night,” “Sliping Beauty,” “Spring Wonder,” “Don Quixote,” “Bayadère,” “A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” “Guiselle,” “Coppelia,” “Black Swan,” “Cinderella,” and “Sylphydes,” among others. I have had the opportunity to work with world-renowned choreographers: Argentina: Raquel Rossetti, Margarita Fernandez, Ariel Sosa, Julieta Paul, etc. U.S.A.: Gabriela Garcia, Josh Berguese, etc.
⚜️Prince Andrei Rațiu: Were your parents influential in your decision to pursue a career as a ballet dancer?
I come from a family of folkloric dancers, but it started because we were sent to do activities after school, so we would not walk in the street (like all village children), that was mostly the reason because together with all my brothers we started to dance folklore, then as we grew older some began to leave (others continued with folklore) and I began to dabble in other techniques. My parents did not influence my career but they supported us in what we liked to do, unfortunately my father did not get to see me start my professional career but my mother always supported me for do it, even though it was hard for her that I moved away in America for my dreams. Is something that most dancers have to go through.
⚜️Prince Andrei Rațiu: What is the most beautiful vacation spot for you?
My favorite places for vacations are Mexico and Colombia, because I like to be not only near the sea and the heat, but also near nature, I like plants, forests or jungles and animals in their natural habitat, so Mexico and Colombia are very special to me, as they also remind me of where I come from, as I come from an area of rivers and mountains with lots of vegetation and wildlife.
⚜️Prince Andrei Rațiu: What is your favorite food?
My favorite food like any good Argentinean is carne asada. For us carne asada is not only one of the most typical dishes, but also a symbol of family and/or friends union where we spend several hours at the table sharing food and talking about life (part of our folklore).
CARNE ASADA
⚜️Prince Andrei Rațiu: What is your funniest incident you experienced during a rehearsal or backstage or even on stage during a show? Did something happen to you that the public didn’t notice?
I think one of the funniest (but not so cute haha) was two years ago when I was rehearsing Nutcracker for one of the companies I work with. The fact occurred when I was in dress rehearsal, one of my roles was Nutcracker Doll, so I was in the battle, along with the mouse king we had to make a jump while changing places, while around us were the little mice and little soldiers. While jumping (with giant masks that did not let us see much around and heavy swords and heavy long swords we crossed one of the children and in my attempt not to hit him I stepped on the proscenium (where we can not step because the lights do not reach there and at the same time is very slippery) so I started to slip in the dark and losing the sense of where I was standing. So I fell down to the pole or fos, causing a concern to all the staff, until after about 3 seconds I stood up and showed my hand saying “here I am, I didn’t leave” and it became a funny moment, luckily I didn’t cause any injury. It was just a funny scare haha
⚜️Prince Andrei Rațiu: Why did you choose to stay in New York to continue your career here? What do you like most about New York?
Well, as I mentioned before I come from an area of Argentina where there are few national dance opportunities and much less international, and that unfortunately makes that most of the time people take it only as a hobby or pastime, so I never thought I could live from dance (although I dreamed) especially with the age I was when I came here which was at my 25 years of age. The little I had achieved in Argentina was to be recognized locally and scholarship to take free classes in recognized studios in Buenos Aires, so I only went some weekend when I gathered the money to travel there, and thanks to that I managed to audition for the Joffrey Ballet School that gave me a full scholarship to study here in New York. Based on what I said before, here is the center of the world dance, arriving here changed my head and made me rethink the possibility of living from dance, and so it was, little by little I was getting into the professional circle of dance where today is my place of work. New York is a very important and special place for those of us who come from distant and humble places where dance is not considered professional work. This place is very nourishing culturally and has all the possibilities to study the dance technique that one likes, that is very important for every artist.
⚜️ Prince Andrei Rațiu: When did you get married?
I am happily married, in May it will be 8 years since I married an amazing woman, who supported me in my career from day one. It is very important to have someone to support us and push us forward, especially when we arrive alone with no family around. I was lucky to meet my wife and that has been a very important support for me.
José Rojas and his wife will celebrate their 8th wedding anniversary in May 2025
⚜️Prince Andrei Rațiu: What is your biggest dream?
My biggest dream is to be able to create and share my learning to new generations, especially in places where they do not have the possibility to learn different techniques, either for lack of teachers and schools or simply for not having the economic possibilities as it happened to me. It is important to help art in general become stronger and a fundamental tool for cultural development. So that is my dream to help create complete artists full of wisdom and tools to be the best version of themselves.
⚜️Prince Andrei Rațiu: What does it mean to you to work with students every day?
For me, working with children is an incredible experience (as long as they want to do it), because I often have to teach children who are forced by their parents and it’s not really dance that they like, but something else. This not only frustrates the child but also makes them completely abandon dance or art. I love working with children who love dance because I continue to learn with them, because they aren’t afraid of anything, they just have the energy to learn more and more, and that inspires me…
⚜️Prince Andrei Rațiu: What qualities should a ballet teacher/master have in order to inspire confidence in his students,to be loved by them and to be able to lead them to success?
I believe that a dance teacher must inspire confidence in their students, accompanying them not only in the technical but also in the emotional, in order to strengthen their characters at the time of the scenic work or interpretation, teaching discipline, but also love for art and towards other people, that it is not about competing to see who is better, but teaching them to share and help others so that all together show their best version of themselves, helping them grow artistically, and most importantly not tying them down, on the contrary opening their wings so they can fly and know other things because nobody has everything necessary for those who seek to expand their knowledge.
⚜️Prince Andrei Rațiu: What do you like teaching more, classical ballet, contemporary or folklore?
I don’t have a favorite thing to teach, but teaching my folklore transports me back to my homeland, my childhood, and my early days in this artistic life. But what I really enjoy most is teaching and having students inspired by my teachings and knowledge. It fills my soul.
⚜️Prince Andrei Rațiu: Do you have an idol, a model who inspired you or still inspires you? Who exactly?
In my folklore circle, I had many nationally recognized role models, with whom I had the opportunity to establish myself and dance alongside many of them. Two of them are Fernando Gabriel Gorocito (professor, researcher, and Argentine folk choreographer) and Ariel Sosa (professor and folk choreographer), both highly recognized nationally. On the other hand, in the Ballet, when I began in this branch of dance, I still consider them my role models and inspirations. Having the opportunity to see them on stage and meeting them personally was one of my dreams come true. There is also another one: Herman Cornejo, a fellow countryman and a key inspiration of mine. Although beyond having seen him on stage, we both live in the same city, I have not had the opportunity to meet him in person yet. I hope that moment comes soon and I can fulfill my dream of meeting my idols…
Herman Cornejo is the key to inspiration and the idol of José María Rojas
⚜️Prince Andrei Rațiu: What did you teach in Argentina?
In Argentina, until I came to the US, I had, as I mentioned before, the opportunity to establish myself in an important position in regional dance. Because of this, many acquaintances began asking me for help with final dance exams and to teach them techniques so they could improve. This made me think about getting a job and starting to teach traditional Argentine dance, contemporary dance for beginners, and choreographic composition for folkloric stylization. Now, every time I return to Argentina, I teach open classes in different techniques and for all ages, so they can experience new things I’ve learned during my career in this country. For dancers in my region in Argentina, it’s very important to learn from teachers who bring international knowledge, since most don’t have the necessary resources to learn from them.
⚜️Prince Andrei Rațiu: What advices do you have for children or young people who want to become dancers?
I would advise them to dare to study whatever they want and that age doesn’t matter if they do it with their heart and soul. I come from a very sexist folklore background, and for this reason, I didn’t dare to start ballet at 12 years old. I waited until I was 21 (almost 22), and that didn’t stop me from getting to where I am and from doing everything I’ve done so far. So here are two very clear examples: first, don’t care what others think and dance whatever you want and what makes you happy. Second, age isn’t an obstacle (although it’s more difficult, but not impossible). Dare to start whenever you want, as long as you’re clear about what you want to achieve and what your path is. I’d also like to add that if you have the opportunity to learn different techniques, do it. Anything helps, and you never know what destiny has in store for you and what you’ll need. This is very important.
⚜️Prince Andrei Rațiu: If you become the director of the Choreography high school in New York or even of another choreography high school in United States, what would you change immediately? What changes do you think need to be made in the education system in this regard?
I would love to be the director of a dance school here in the US. I think there’s a very common problem in all dance programs offered to children’s schools. Every time a program ends at a school, scholarships are awarded to children so they can have their first experience in a purely dance school.
However, the mistake is made of having to offer scholarships to children from minority cultures, either just because a child is male or female, or because, at that moment, politically, they have to award them to a specific ethnic group. Personally, I think this is incorrect and borders on racism and discrimination. Scholarships should be awarded to those who truly demonstrate a love of dance or the art form, who have put in the effort, and who truly want to use the scholarship. At the end of the day, it’s money that comes from somewhere and is offered to give opportunities to those who truly want it.
As I said before, I come from a place where there were no opportunities to study with great masters or travel far to take courses and improve my skills, so I believe it’s pointless to hand them out just because it’s politically better for the image of the institution that’s awarding them. Often, they award them for this reason, and the children end up not attending the courses or classes paid for by these grants. This takes away the opportunity for someone who needs them and can’t afford to pay for them to continue learning and growing artistically.
José María Rojas, the once-promising scholarship recipient from Argentina, has not only conquered the dazzling stages of New York but has woven himself into the very fabric of its vibrant dance community. From the rigorous discipline of classical ballet to the expressive freedom of contemporary forms and the passionate pulse of Argentine folklore, his artistry resonates deeply with audiences and students alike.
He stands as a testament to the power of dedication, talent, and the fiery spirit that first ignited on Argentine soil, now burning brightly as one of New York’s most celebrated and sought-after dance luminaries. His story is a splendid reminder that passion, when nurtured, can indeed dance its way to the America’s grandest stages and into the hearts of many.
José María Rojas: a name forever etched in the vibrant history of Argentine dance.
SENIOR AUTHOR: PRINCE ANDREI RAȚIU – NEW YORK CITY, USA 🇺🇲
–Honorary member of the Fine Artists Union Ark Principal in New York since 1997, Fashion designer & award winning fine artist,
–Graduate of the Academy of Fine Arts in the departments of easel painting and fashion design with two master’s degrees, the first in aesthetics on the topic of “History of Beauty and Ugliness” and the second master’s degree in art history and philosophy of culture,
–Expert Consultant in International Politics at IBMI – International Business Management Institute in Berlin, Germany,
–Business Consultant, Anti-trafficking Consultant & Human Rights Consultant at USIDHR – US Institute of Diplomacy and Human Rights in Washington DC,
–2021 AMERICAN PATRIOT OF THE YEAR IN NEW YORK”– Diploma of recognition awarded by Faith and Freedom Coalition, Georgia, USA, signed by Dr. Ralph Reed who is Founder and President, Member of the US Council for National Policy
Coming soon a new sensational article about the life of José María Rojas, the hottest Argentine dancer and ballet teacher who became a superstar in New York City, United States of America.
Published by NEW YORK STAR MAGAZINE TV AMERICA'S NEWS
Breaking News, International Policy, Diplomacy, Human Rights, World Culture, Fine Arts, Music, Ballet, Theater, Film, Interviews with Stars, Politicians and Public Figures, Investigative reports.
View more posts
NEW YORK STAR MAGAZINE TV & AMERICA'S NEWS 