If you’re a fan of dance, or simply enjoy watching world-class performances, there’s something worth putting in the diary for early September.
Auditorio de Tenerife is opening its new 2026/27 season with Afanador, the award-winning production by the Ballet Nacional de España, with performances on 5th and 6th September in the Sala Sinfónica.
Even if ballet isn’t normally your thing, this isn’t your typical evening at the theatre.
A production that’s won nine major awards
Afanador has become one of Spain’s most talked-about dance productions over the past couple of years, collecting nine prestigious awards along the way.
Among them are Best Dance Production at the 2025 Max Awards and the Talía Awards, as well as honours for choreography, lighting, costume design and original music.
It’s also the production that marks the return of the Ballet Nacional de España to Tenerife after a 16-year absence.
Inspired by the work of Ruven Afanador
The production takes its inspiration from the photography of Ruven Afanador, whose dramatic images of flamenco have gained international recognition.
Created by choreographer Marcos Morau, the performance combines dance, visual art and music to create something that’s both modern and deeply rooted in Spanish tradition.
With 39 dancers on stage, it’s a large-scale production that promises plenty of memorable moments.
A company with a remarkable history
Founded in 1978, the Ballet Nacional de España is the country’s leading public dance company and is dedicated to preserving Spain’s rich dance heritage.
Its repertoire includes classical Spanish dance, folklore, bolero and flamenco, while also working with contemporary choreographers to bring fresh ideas to traditional styles.
That balance between old and new has helped the company build an international reputation over the years.
Affordable tickets
One thing that’s particularly refreshing is the ticket price.
General admission is just €15, while anyone under the age of 30 can attend for only €5. Discounts are also available for students, job seekers and large families.
The performances take place at 7.30pm on Friday 5th September and 6.00pm on Saturday 6th September.
Considering the reputation of the production, I’d expect tickets to disappear fairly quickly, so it’s probably worth booking sooner rather than later.