About Tito
Alberto del Saz is the artistic director of The Nikolais/Louis Foundation for Dance. Mr. Del Saz is vital in keeping the Nikolais/Louis repertory active.
Alberto del Saz’s journey into the world of arts began with a passion for ice skating. His early dedication and talent led him to become the Spanish National Champion in figure skating in 1980. This success paved the way for his debut with Holiday on Ice International. His dance training, a crucial part of his artistic development, was received at the Nikolais/Louis Dance Lab under the guidance of esteemed teachers such as Hanya Holm, Alwin Nikolais, Murray Louis, Claudia Gitelman, Tandy Beal, Beverly Blossom, and others.
Alberto del Saz’s influence in the dance community extends far beyond his native Spain. In 1985, he made his debut as a lead soloist with the Nikolais Dance Theater, a company that would later be renamed the Murray Louis and Nikolais Dance Company. As a member of this internationally acclaimed company, he has toured virtually every continent on the globe, sharing his artistry and passion for dance with diverse audiences.
Mr. Del Saz has appeared for President Reagan at the Kennedy Center Honors in a CBS telecast featuring the Nikolais Dance Theater and on PBS American Masters series in “Nik and Murray,” an award-winning documentary film by Christian Blackwood. He has also represented the United States State Department on a tour of India. He appeared at the Paris Opera Garnier in a Homage to Alwin Nikolais and at the Next Wave Festival with Bill T. Jones and Arnie Zane Dance Company. In 1990, he went to Japan, where he appeared as a guest artist in “V”, a project by Mr. Ushio Amagatsu, Artistic Director of Sankai Juku. He has also performed at “Men Brazil.” Mr. Del Saz has appeared as a guest solo artist in works by Hanya Holm, Claudia Gitelman, Maureen Fleming, Sara Pearson, Cleo Parker Robinson, Beth Corning and others.
Alberto del Saz’s influence in the dance world is not only as a performer but also as a custodian of the art form. His significant contribution is his role as the Reconstruction Director of the Nikolais/Louis repertory. He has staged this iconic repertory on university and professional dance companies around the world, ensuring that the legacy of Nikolais and Louis continues to inspire and influence the global dance community.
(North Carolina School of the Arts, The Juilliard School, Conservatoire de la Danse de Paris, Ririe-Woodbury Dance Co., The Joffrey Ballet of Chicago, Ballet Met, University of Washington, University of Illinois, Rutgers State University, Bringham Young University, Centre National de Danse Contemporaine in Angers, Southern Utah University, George Mason University, Boston Conservatory, University of Utah, Georgia Tech, Hunter College, Marymount Manhattan College, Barnard College, Montclair State University).
In 1997, he danced Rudolph Nureyev’s role in “Moments,” a work created by Mr. Louis.
NYSCA has funded Mr. Del Saz’s work in collaboration with the Ice Theater of New York. He has choreographed for bronze medalist figure skater Nicole Bobek, Olympic bronze and World Professional Champion Phillipe Candeloro. His Skating work has appeared on Ice Wars, Grand Slam, and the Professional World Championships televised on CBS, FOX, and ABC networks, as well as the official opening of the Rockefeller Center sponsored by Champions on Ice.
With an impressive tenure of 42 years at the Nikolais/Louis Foundation, Alberto del Saz’s commitment to preserving the Nikolais/Louis technique, repertory, and legacy is unwavering. His current focus is on passing on his knowledge and experience through dedicated teaching and directing, ensuring that the Nikolais/Louis technique continues to inspire and influence the dance community.
Critics wrote:
“In Alberto del Saz Mr. Louis has found someone who can convey his particular quicksilver qualities of movement that were once unique to Mr. Louis. It is encouraging to see how the tradition is being carried on.”
The Westsider
“…The most compelling performer in the company is Alberto del Saz, a cross between the quicksilver, whimsical Louis of old and the legendary, magisterial Jose Limon.”
Tobi Tobias, THE NEW YORK MAGAZINE
“…Veteran master of the company the commanding Alberto del Saz, exact but never careful, generous but never sloppy, energized but never emotive.|
Tobi Tobias, DANCE MAGAZINE
“…Mr. Del Saz a master of the style, exuberant, demonstrating what is important in Mr. Louis choreography, the quality of movement and how it is phrased.”
Anna Kisselgoff, THE NEW YORK TIMES
“… A quietly stunning solo for Mr. Del Saz epitomizes the fluid yet crisply articulated motion that in part identifies a Louis or Nikolais Dancer. Mr Del Saz himself typifies the strong presence of the company’s dancer, from early performers, like Beverly Blossom and Phyllis Lamhut.”
Jennifer Dunning, THE NEW YORK TIMES
