National Dance Award Winner Daniel Abreu Announces Gradual Shift From Performance
Award-winning choreographer Daniel Abreu announced he will gradually step back from his demanding dance career to explore new artistic perspectives and ways of working, premiering his latest piece 'Capítulo' as a "closing chapter."
Daniel Abreu, a dancer and choreographer from Tenerife who won the National Dance Award in 2014, announced on Thursday that he will gradually step back from dance. He clarified that this isn't an immediate stop, but rather a "change of perspective" to explore different styles and ways of working.
In an interview on Radio 5, reported by EFE, Abreu admitted that a sudden withdrawal would be hard. Instead, he plans a gradual shift in "how he tells stories and creates."
Abreu will premiere his latest piece, 'Capítulo' (Chapter), next week at the Cuyás Theater in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria. He described it as "a closing chapter to move towards something new," both in his career and personal life.
He explained, "Perhaps it's a closing to move towards something else. It might be the final chapter for many aspects of my profession, and also related to age and the world. But this isn't negative. It's not a withdrawal; it's a change in perspective. It's about taking new risks, starting to dance differently..."
Abreu noted that his past work has been "very continuous and demanding," and he no longer wants to maintain that pace.
"To keep creating without using the same movements or ideas, I need to pause and change," he summarized. He added that 'Capítulo' itself showcases this high demand, requiring significant physical power and "a lot from the body."
For him, continuing to create means "not doing the same thing, but taking other risks."
He explained that for a while now, he's felt a strong desire to change formats, take on new challenges, and find fresh ways to tell stories. He feels his current stage style is very distinct, and to keep creating without repeating himself, he needs this shift in perspective.
About 'Capítulo', Abreu said he created it to bring peace and calm in what he sees as an uncertain world. The title suggests that each piece of his work is like a chapter in a bigger book.
He noted that the show doesn't tell a complete story. Instead, it uses minimalist staging and very physical movement to suggest ideas and images related to personal and group changes.
Abreu also emphasized how much the Canary Islands' landscape and imagery influence his work. He said this constant reference is something he can't separate from his creative process.