Metropolitan Culture Corner: Chase Johnsey

This month on the Metropolitan Culture Corner, we interview ballet dancer, choreographer and co-founder of professional classical and contemporary dance company Ballet de Barcelona, Chase Johnsey. Originally from the US, Chase is a gender fluid ballerina, and known as a pioneer in the dance world when it comes to challenging gender roles. He has performed at some of the world’s most prestigious venues, including New York’s Kennedy Center and the London Coliseum.

Ballet de Barcelona was founded in May 2019 and has already performed well over 50 shows for nearly 50,000 spectators, in Catalunya and other parts of Spain, as well as in France and Andorra. The company now includes 49 dancers of 23 nationalities, and currently has five productions running. 

Last month, we spoke to singer, songwriter, producer, activist, and businesswoman Reyes Torío. Originally from Bilbao, Reyes has been a familiar face around Barcelona since the 1990s. She is known for being one of the co-founders and singers of the Spanish cowpunk band Dinamita Pa Los Pollos, though she would later go on to produce other artists and even found an independent record label. She fought for change in international copyright law with the International Federation of Independent Labels in Brussels and has appeared at clubs and on festival stages as a DJ. Reyes is also a champion of women’s rights and their visibility within the entertainment industry.

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