Josué Moreno (Mexico)
Written by Nicte-Ha Escobosa.
I met Josué Moreno Lagarda when he was 11 years old, he was a very cheerful and energetic child, but also very focused on his goals. He came to my school in Tijuana, Baja California interested in the RAD system.
Although his father was a little doubtful in Josué’s career as a professional ballet dancer, when his parents came to me, they seemed to be in the disposition to support him. At first, Josue’s father wanted him to be a stereotypical Mexican charro, taking him to charrería shows, and encouraging him as a child to participate in these activities. But Josué had something different at heart.
Since he started, he stood out for his aptitude for ballet, but especially for his attitude and great desire to become a professional dancer. With those skills and the guidance of his teachers, he succeeded in attaining the exams for Intermediate Foundation, Intermediate, and Advanced levels. These achievements convinced his parents about Josué’s courage and vision to realise his life project. He then aimed to start participating in local competitions, which took him to the Youth America Grand Prix (YAGP) in San Diego, CA.
To accomplish this required discipline, passion and hard work, but mostly courage to face the offensive comments and bullying from the macho society. Sadly, this situation is very common in our country, demotivating very skilful and talented boys that enjoy dancing. Despite all the mean comments and hate he received, he won the YAGP in San Diego. After winning in San Diego he competed in New York’s YAGP, where his fortitude and beauty really was shown. His talent was recognised by nine prestigious ballet schools, offering him scholarships: American Ballet Theatre, San Francisco Ballet, Bolshoi Ballet, Harid Conservatory, The Rock School, Oslo National Ballet School, Canada Royal Winnipeg Ballet, School of American Ballet and English National Ballet School (ENBS). He did it! His efforts brought him the realisation of his dream: to dance at ENBS.
Unfortunately, while he was studying at ENBS with a full scholarship, being the only Mexican student, Josué received terrible news; his mother was diagnosed with terminal cancer. This shocked him and depressed him. He thought about leaving and returning to Mexico to be with his mother during the last days of her life, even though his mother insisted he pursue his dreams. It was his father’s support that convinced him to stay atENBS.
It is sad to say that after six months, Josué’s mother lost her struggle against cancer. Shockingly the same day Josué found out his mother passed away, he also received a contract offer from English National Ballet. He accepted the contract and has dedicated his career to his mother. As his teacher, I had the pleasure and fortune of being at the graduation ceremony of our dear Mexican charro. All the teachers at Academia de Ballet Playas are proud of Josué’s achievements and it is an honour to México and our school to be represented by him at English National Ballet.