A STANDING OVATION
Orlando Ballet celebrates the retirement of company member Israel Zavaleta Escobedo following eight seasons of artistry.
Israel Zavaleta Escobedo began his dance career at age 15 a er leaving Mexico, his parents, and little brother to train at Orlando Ballet School a er being invited by teacher Olivier Munoz. He spent about 1.5 years at the school before joining the ballet’s second company. Speaking no English, the teen let his artistry do the talking but also credits Orlando Ballet instructor Gonzalo Espinoza for helping him learn English and adjust to his new life.
“It was all very scary because I didn’t know anyone here, didn’t know the language, and I didn’t know the culture,” he recalls, adding that there were times when he would call his mom and share the di culties of his new life. “I thought, I just want to go home. I can’t make it.” But he also remembered how his mother who, with Israel’s father, drove him on a daily, four-hour round trip to ballet lessons. Because of this, Israel state “I knew that I just couldn’t quit.”
His rst featured role was the Candy Cane solo in Robert Hill’s production of The Nutcracker, a high-pro le role for an OBII dancer. Soon a er, he received his contract with the company, a transition Israel describes as “meaningful.”
His commitment paid o . His rst principal role was as Mowgli in Orlando Ballet’s 2021 production of The Jungle Book, a career highlight. The role required a good deal of acting and a bit of courage; his entrance involved swinging upside down on a vine across stage. “It was so much fun!”
Now, at age 26, a er a near decade on stage, Israel has matured along with his priorities. The time is right, he says, for a new chapter. His nal performance with Orlando Ballet will be as Nick Carraway in Jorden Morris’ production of The Great Gatsby, one of Israel’s favorite roles.
Israel expresses profound gratitude to Artistic Director Jorden Morris and Associate Artistic Director Lisa Thorn Morris for their encouragement. Also to Orlando Ballet in general for the opportunities to progress through Orlando Ballet’s school, second company, and ultimately into the professional company. He adds that he remains grateful to the audiences, his fellow dancers, and the ballet board for their support.
It’s no surprise that he will continue to work in an art form. For the past several seasons, Israel has captured Orlando Ballet’s promotional photography, creating the striking imagery that brings each production to life.
Perhaps his most transformative experience was meeting and marrying former dancer Kellie Fulton, with whom he was partnered in The Great Gatsby.
Israel says his focus now is to be a good husband, build a life with Kellie, continue to grow professionally, and try new things. “I came here with a big suitcase full of dreams, hoping for the best, so all of this is way beyond what I expected.”
“Orlando Ballet is not just a company for me; it is an actual family.”