Dancer savors the experience of movement

Yubal Eduardo Morales Rubio-Tlaltekuhtli performs during a performance of the "The Nutcracker" with Yoalli Sousa. • Photos Submitted

By Tom Victoria 

For Yubal Eduardo Morales Rubio-Tlaltekuhtli, his artistic ballet dancing is more than just majestic movement. 

“It’s not the movement,” Yubal said. “It’s about the experience of movement.” 

He is a solo artist with Compañía Nacional de Danza (National Dance Company) in México. 

"I have been dancing there for 10 years," Yubal said. 

Yubal, 30, of Mexico City, said the allure of dancing is the freedom of expression. 

“You can show anything,” he said. “A way to connect something bigger than us. I just want it to be real, honest. Don’t fake it.” 

Yubal said there is a dual approach to dance. 

"Keep it fun, but disciplined," he said. "That's the hard part." 

Yubal said the most crucial part of a dancer's job is practice. 

"I would say the rehearsals because they bring intimate work," he said. "It's like the lab where everything is happening, where everything shows up - technical and artistic way to perform."  

Yubal added a dancer also must work in their free time, too. 

"Keep your body and mind in shape," he said. 

Yubal and Mayuko Nihei dance during a performance of "Sleeping Beauty."

Yubal prefers live shows that have an audience — an experience that was abbreviated by performance cancellations over the past year caused by the response to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19).  

"You can't have the same experience without people," he said. "They finish the show I think." 

Yubal is performing again in one of his dance company's two shows. He will not be in the children's "Snow White" production. 

"We are doing a different repertoire program," Yubal said about the new story being depicted. 

He savors dancing to new material. 

"I enjoy the contemporary stuff," Yubal said. "I love when I just get to let me be me." 

Yubal and Ana Elisa Ramos dance during "Carmen."

Performing runs in Yubal's family. HIs mother is an actress. He started dancing wherever he could.  

"I was doing little stuff here and there," Yubal said. 

He also logged in some hours joining circles of dance in the street of Mexico City, where musicians played traditional drums. 

"When you want, sometimes you can join in," Yubal said. 

He eventually participated in an intensive summer ballet camp. 

Yubal does gyrotonics, which is similar to pilates, helping joints as well as improving stamina and strength. 

Yubal displays his athleticism and artistry.

"You can get injured," he said about the need for supplemental exercising. 

Yubal uses his gyrotonics instructor's studio for some workouts. He also has a ballet barre in his home and goes to a wooded area by a lake. 

His artistic nature extends beyond dance. He also plays the guitar as a pastime. 

Yubal said it’s vital to maintain perspective when pursuing dance. 

“It’s not everything,” he said. “You are a person. You’re not just a dancer.” 

By the same token, Yubal said a dancer should not become discouraged after a less than stellar performance. 

“If the show went well, there will be another show,” he said, recalling advice once given to him. “If the show was bad, there will be another show.” 

Yubal, middle, dances to a modern beat.