Veronica Ramirez Casanova was born in Cali, Colombia, where she began dancing at the age of 10 at the Colombian Institute for Classical Ballet (INCOLBALLET) under the direction of Gloria Castro Martinez. In 2007, she graduated as a professional ballet dancer and initiated her career at the CCB (Compañía Colombiana de Ballet), where she danced for 10 year as a soloist.
During her career, she has danced principal roles in Don Quixote (kitri’s friends), The Nutcracker (sugar plum), Swan Lake (four swans), Coppelia (swanhilda), Paquita (variation7), Carmina Burana, and many others. Veronica has also danced modern and contemporary ballets with renowned choreographers such as Annabelle Lopez Ochoa and Jorge Amarante. In addition, she has done international tours in Mexico, El Salvador, Dominican Republic, Guatemala and Honduras. Also, she has danced in international festivals in Cali and Bogota (Colombia), Tabasco and Campeche (Mexico) sharing the stage with internationally recognized dancers as a Viengsay Valdés.
In 2017, she started working at the Compañía Colombiana de Danza Contemporánea as a ballet teacher. She moved to Orlando, Florida, in 2018 and joined Emotions Dance Company for two seasons.
Veronica start became part of the Ballet Pensacola in 2020 when she was promoted to principal dancer of the professional company. For three seasons she joined Ballet Pensacola as a dancer and now she will be part of the artistic staff, being the Assistant of the Artistic Director and Rehearsal Assistant, of the professional company. She is currently a teacher of the students of the last levels of the academy school. She recently participated in a Musical Theater (Rodgers & Hammerstein's Carousel) with Pensacola Opera.
Veronica, as a complement to her knowledge, recently received a certification in Progressing Ballet Technique (PBT) and a certification in Cuban ballet school and its dance methodology. During the summer of 2023 she attended the CPYB teachers workshop at Central Pennsylvania Youth Ballet.
She is very excited to continue growing in this great Ballet Pensacola family under the artistic direction of Darren McIntyre and looking forward to her new role as Assistant to The Artistic Director and Rehearsal Assistant.
“I feel an immense sense of joy and fulfillment when I work on a production. Witnessing the growth and progress of my students and dancers, seeing their hard work and dedication pay off, and being part of that creative process fills me with a sense of pride and accomplishment.” The performing arts have the power to transport and inspire, and I feel honored to be part of that transformative journey.
Place of Birth: Cali/Colombia
One word to describe why you do your art-form: “Constancy”
Favorite Color: Purple and Blue
Favorite production you have worked on: The Nutcracker
Dream Role in the future: Ballet Mistress and Regisseur
Favorite Choreographer: Anabelle Lopez Ochoa
Favorite Traditional Ballet: Don Quixote
Favorite Cuisine / Dish: Shrimp ceviche
Favorite hobby: Going to the beach
A Fun Fact about me: I have a puppy named Akanji who wakes up in the morning with a lot of energy and we call him T-Rex until him calms down.
What would you like your audience/community to gain from your performances/productions:
I would like them to be transported into a world of beauty, grace, and storytelling. Ballet has the unique ability to communicate emotions and stories through movements and music. I want our audience to feel inspired and connected to the performance, as if they are part of the narrative on stage. I aspire to have our performances instill a lasting appreciation for the art of ballet and its ability to touch the hearts and minds of people of all ages.
