Norbert De La Cruz III

Defined to possess “classical bones and a contemporary sensibility,” Norbert De La Cruz III has valiantly pursued his passion for performance and movement invention.  Born in Bayombong, Nueva Vizcaya, Philippines and raised in Los Angeles, California, he began his artistic journey at 13 years of age. Training at the Gabriella Foundation in LA, The LA County High School for the Arts, ABT NYC, San Francisco Ballet, Miami City Ballet, Lines Ballet, NWPDP, NDT Summer Course, and graduated from The Juilliard School in 2010 with a BFA in dance. Upon graduation, Norbert balanced both a career as a professional dancer, photographer, and emerging choreographer.  Norbert has danced professionally as a soloist with the Metropolitan Opera House, Aszure Barton & Artists, Jchen Project, Balletto Teatro di Torino (Italy), Gallim, Sydney Skybetter & Associates, Lustig Dance Theatre, Aspen Santa Fe Ballet, and Complexions Contemporary Ballet.  He has danced the works of some of our world’s most current and historically renowned teachers and choreographers – Jose Limon, David Parker, Adam Hougland, Johannes Wieland, Ohad Naharin, Aszure Barton, Jerome Robbins, Larry Keigwin, Jeremy McQueen, Jessica Chen, Dwight Rhoden, Desmond Richardson, Lightfoot & Leon, Crystal Pite, Alonzo King, and Jiri Kylian.

Norbert was awarded the 2012 Jerome Robbins Foundation’s NEW Essential Works Grant – commissioning his first ballet with Aspen Santa Fe Ballet (ASFB).  He was also the 2012-2013 finalist winner of Hubbard Street 2’s National Choreographic Competition, and has received the 2012 Princess Grace Foundation Award Fellowship under choreography – granting his second creation for ASFB.  In result, he received the 2013-2014 Alvin Ailey New Directions Choreography Lab under the mentorship of Igal Perry and guidance and host of Mr. Robert Battle.  He continues to pursue his passion in choreography and movement invention and thrives to continue dancing with a high emphasis on his artistry as a means to manifest progressive change in the dance world. Norbert is grateful and blessed to proudly represent the award as one of this year’s 2013-2014 Joffrey Ballet Academy’s Choreographers of Color. www.NorbertDeLaCruziii.com