Born and raised in San Juan, Puerto Rico, Francisco Rivera embarked on his journey in classical ballet at the age of 10 at the esteemed Specialized School of Ballet Julián E. Blanco. Graduating with honors, he showcased his remarkable talent performing the iconic Sleeping Beauty pas de deux at the renowned Teatro Tapia in 2018. Rivera’s training is deeply rooted in a fusion of Cuban, Russian, and American styles, resulting in a distinctive and versatile movement quality that captivates audiences on stage. In 2010, he joined Mauro Inc., helmed by Marena Pérez and Aureo Andino, an organization dedicated to nurturing emerging artists from underprivileged backgrounds. Here, he commenced his pre-professional journey with the Mauro Youth Ballet Company, ascending to the rank of artist within the Mauro Ballet Company by 2018.
In 2020, Rivera’s talent caught the attention of Nashville Ballet Company director, Nick Mullikin, who invited him to join their second ballet company program (NB2). For two years, he graced the stage as a second company dancer and assumed the role of instructor for the children’s division of the Young Men Scholarship Program at the Nashville Ballet School in 2021. Subsequently, he relocated to Dayton, Ohio in 2022, where he joined the Dayton Performing Arts Alliance (DPAA) and the Dayton Ballet, under the visionary direction of Brandon Ragland, following the legacy of Karen Burke.
Rivera’s dynamic movement repertoire, blending Afro-Latin-Caribbean influences with classical ballet, has garnered him opportunities to collaborate with a diverse array of choreographers, including Charlotte Boye-Christensen, Alia Kache, Carlos Ivan Santos, and Paul Vasterling, among others. Noteworthy performances in Rivera’s repertoire include lead, soloist, and ensemble roles in acclaimed productions such as “Dracula Bloodlines”, DPAA’s “Season Opening Celebration”, excerpts from “Chopiniana” and “Carmen”, as well as classic favorites like “The Nutcracker” and “Swan Lake”. Beyond his stage performances, Rivera has been an active participant in numerous festivals and galas, including Puerto Rico’s Susan G. Komen, La Campechada, and the Memphis Dance Festival, showcasing his artistry to diverse audiences. In addition to his work with distinguished companies like Ballet Concierto de Puerto Rico, Ballets de San Juan, and Ballets Etudes of South Florida, Rivera’s talent has also been featured in the Puerto Rican documentary film “Tour en L’air: La Historia de la Julián”, directed and produced by Luis Freddie Vázquez. Francisco Rivera-Bermudez continues to enchant audiences with his unparalleled artistry, seamlessly blending tradition with innovation in every performance he delivers.
Get to know Francisco!
Seasons with DDI:
I collaborated briefly in August 2023 with DDI for a performance at Downtown Dayton's Metro Library with choreography by Claire Mitchell.
Company Affiliation: Dayton Ballet
What inspires you in this world? Why do you dance?
I dance because I truly believe in the impact a performance can have on its audience. To be the vessel of a language that transcends words is truly an honor. Music really inspires me. I don't do anything without it. Everything is and feels better with music. Lately I've been listening to RIgoberta Bandini, who is a Spanish artist that provokes a smile on my face every time I hear her songs. Culture, nature, and traveling are also great inspirations for the majority of things I think, write, and dance to.
What do you love about DDI?
I love the daring nature of DDI performances and its artists' collaborations.
Favorite small business in Dayton.
Winans Chocolates + Coffees is my favorite coffee place in downtown Dayton, I visit every time I feel like I deserve a treat.