The Center for Modern Dance Education is saddened to announce the passing of long-time staff member Juan
Carlos Gonzales Varela, who lost his battle with cancer on August 12,
2011. Juan Carlos was a talented dancer, an accomplished choreographer,
and a caring and inspiring teacher to many of our students over the
years. He will be deeply missed by the CMDE family. The Center will
hold a memorial service at a later date; please check back for
information.
Juan Carlos Gonzales-Varela
graduated from the National School of Superior Ballet in Lima, Peru, and
was awarded a scholarship to attend the Professional Training Program
at the
School of Dance Theatre of Harlem. He performed in Chile,
Cuba, Puerto Rico, and extensively throughout the United States. He choreographed for television, as well as appearing
in a series of HBO specials in 2002. Juan Carlos trained,
danced with, and taught for the Mary Anthony Dance Theatre, and danced
with Kun-Yang Lin. He was a company
member of the all-male pointe troupe Le Grand Ballet de Loonis
in the 1990s, danced with Ariane Anthony & Company from 1999-2002,
and with Rachel Cohen & Company and Rococo Productions.
He was awarded a scholarship and attended the Professional
Training Program at the School of Dance Theatre of Harlem. He
performed and taught ballroom, Latin, ballet, and
modern dance in NYC and NJ, including at Stepping Out Studios,
Manhattan's largest and most diverse Latin and Ballroom dance school. He
taught Latin and Modern Dance for CMDE, including
the multi-generational Family Latin Dance Class.
