BalletMet’s professional company recently welcomed four new dancers from around the world to its 16/17 ranks. Among them, Romel Frometa, from Havana, Cuba.
Mr. Frometa trained at the Cuban National Ballet School and at just 21 was made a principal dancer with Ballet Nacional de Cuba under the direction of Alicia Alonso.
He performed as a guest artist around the world before joining Cincinnati Ballet in 2012. He’s won numerous awards for his dancing, including a gold medal at the 1999 Vignale-Dance Competition for Young Talents held in Italy and a bronze medal at the International Ballet Competition in Bulgaria.
He’s worked with internationally celebrated choreographers Alberto Mendez, Trey McIntyre and Edwaard Liang, among others. Mr. Frometa has enjoyed performing the role of Basilio in Don Quixote, Othello in Othello and Albrecht in Giselle.
Meet him below.
Most memorable moments in your career:
When I was 21 and became a principal dancer with the Ballet Nacional de Cuba. I’m also grateful to have had the opportunity to see and dance next to remarkable dancers like Sylvie Guillem, Tamara Rojo, Polina Semionova, Jose Manuel Carreño, Carlos Acosta and Manuel Legris, among others.
If you weren’t a dancer, what would you be doing?
If I were not dancing, I would be a chef or a soccer player.
Favorite movie, TV show and song?
My favorite movie is “V for Vendetta,” and my favorite TV show is “Friends.” My favorite song is from Kelvis Ochoa called “Cuando el Corazon”.
Favorite meal?
Cuban and Italian food, but I love trying new meals all the time.
Favorite quote?
“All that glitters is not gold.”
One thing people might be surprised to learn about you:
Both of my parents were also professional dancers with Ballet Nacional de Cuba.