Hugo Cortes

Hugo Cortes is a trained professional dancer in many disciplines but primarily; Jazz, Modern and Contemporary. Hugo was born in Brazil and began dancing aged just 6 years old. Hugo's professional career began aged 15 under the artistic director and choreographer Zebrinha dancing in, ‘The Bale Folclorico da Bahia'

In 2003 Hugo moved to Europe to join the production team of, ‘The Lion King' which was being shown in Hamburg, Germany. Two years later he followed the show to London, England.

Whilst in London in 2006, Hugo played the part of ‘Tito' in the Cuban musical ‘El Barrio' which was directed by none other than Iris de Brito.

2006 was a good year for Hugo professionally and he danced in many musicals touring up and down the country and danced on no less than fifty different stages! In November, Hugo was invited to join the ballet company ‘Ballet Black' in the Royal Opera House under the director's Cassa Pancho and Raymond Chai as the ballet master.

Back on tour in 2007, Hugo felt it was time to take his artistic flair back to musicals and finished a European tour with the pop opera ‘Carmen Cubana' where he played the role of Juan.

Present day 2009, sees Hugo on a world tour with the international dance company ‘Stomp'.

Hugo is known in London also as choreographer and Salsa dancer but never forgets his roots; trying to use in his work his knowledge of acrobatics and Brazilian afro-contemporary.

NB: Hugo recently auditioned for the BBC Saturday night dance show ‘So You Think You Can Dance'. Hugo was so impressive that the judge's by-passed him through the choreography round and gave him a ‘Golden Ticket' straight to the last fourteen. Unfortunately due to work permits Hugo was unable to accept the contract he would need to sign to progress further in the show and was released.

This is just a sample of the praise he received from the judges;

Nigel Lythgoe "I thought you were superb"

Arlene Phillips " It's not often I watch dance and get goose bumps,...where have you been all my life to work with?"

3rd Judge "The reason this show has come to the UK is to show case dancer's like yourself"