The Ballet Nacional de España is returning to the Auditorio de Tenerife this weekend with Afanador, an acclaimed production that has picked up nine awards since its debut.
The company, directed by Rubén Olmo, will perform the show in the auditorium’s Sala Sinfónica on Saturday 5 September at 19:30 and Sunday 6 September at 18:00.
It also marks the beginning of the new season at the Auditorio de Tenerife.
Flamenco through a different lens
Afanador takes its inspiration from the work of Colombian photographer Ruven Afanador, whose distinctive images of flamenco have become internationally recognised.
The production has artistic direction from Marcos Morau, who drew inspiration from Afanador’s books Ángel Gitano and Mil Besos, as well as his photographic sessions.
More than 30 dancers appear on stage, with Morau exploring flamenco through a surreal and dreamlike perspective.
Rather than simply reproducing traditional flamenco, the production looks at it through Afanador’s particular visual language, combining ideas of dream, desire and memory with the movement and traditions of Spanish dance.
Nine awards and counting
The production has made a considerable impression since its arrival on stage, collecting nine awards during 2024 and 2025.
Among them was the Godot Award for Best Spanish Dance and Flamenco Choreography in 2024, while the Catalan Performing Arts Critics Awards also recognised the production’s choreography.
At the 2025 Premios Max, Afanador picked up five awards:
- Best Dance Production
- Best Stage Direction for Marcos Morau
- Best Lighting Design for Bernat Jansá
- Best Costume Design for Silvia Delagneau
- Best Musical Composition for a Stage Production
The production also received two Premios Talía, including Best Dance Production and Best Choreography.
So, quite a collection of silverware before even arriving back in Tenerife.
The Ballet Nacional de España
The Ballet Nacional de España has been Spain’s leading public company for Spanish dance since it was founded in 1978, originally under the name Ballet Nacional Español.
Antonio Gades was its first director, while Rubén Olmo has led the company since September 2019.
The company’s role is to preserve, develop and promote Spain’s rich choreographic heritage, covering everything from academic and stylised dance to folklore, bolero and flamenco.
At the same time, the BNE continues to develop new work and introduce Spanish dance to new audiences both nationally and internationally.
Tickets for Afanador
Tickets are priced at €15, with tickets for under-30s available for €5.
They can be purchased through the Auditorio de Tenerife website, at the box office or by telephone.
The box office opening hours are:
- Monday to Friday: 10:00 to 17:00
- Saturday: 10:00 to 14:00
Discounts are also available for certain groups, including students, jobseekers and large families.
Auditorio de Tenerife
Saturday 5 September: 19:30
Sunday 6 September: 18:00
Venue: Sala Sinfónica
Tickets: €15, €5 for under-30s