Texas Ballet Theater (TBT) honors the illustrious career of soloist Joamanuel Velázquez, who announced his retirement after an 18-year tenure. Velázquez will take his final bow in May, marking the end of an era for the celebrated dancer and beloved member of the TBT community.

Originally from Bayamón, Puerto Rico, Velázquez began his dance journey with Ballet Concierto de Puerto Rico before earning a full scholarship to the Virginia School of the Arts. Since joining TBT in 2007, Velázquez has brought unforgettable artistry to the stage in productions such as Ben Stevenson’s Don Quixote, Dracula, and Swan Lake. Among his many accomplishments, he starred as Pinocchio in the U.S. premiere of Will Tuckett’s Pinocchio in 2018. Velázquez is married to fellow TBT dancer Nicole Von Enck and a proud father of two.

Reflecting on nearly two decades with TBT, Velázquez expressed his heartfelt gratitude: “I am deeply grateful for the experiences, memories, and relationships I’ve built during my time with Texas Ballet Theater. While it’s bittersweet to say goodbye to my TBT family, I’m excited to embark on a new chapter. Photography has been a passion of mine for years, and I look forward to pursuing it full-time while also enjoying the rewards of fatherhood and spending more time with my family.”

This spring, audiences will have the chance to see Velázquez onstage in two final productions: the mixed repertoire International Woman and the timeless ballet Giselle. Tickets are available now through TBT’s website or by calling the Box Office at 877-828-9200.

TBT Artistic Director Tim O’Keefe praised Velázquez’s remarkable contributions to the company: “Joamanuel has left an indelible mark on Texas Ballet Theater. His artistry, athleticism, and ability to captivate audiences have made him a standout performer. Watching him grow over the years has been a privilege, and while we will miss him on stage, we’re excited to see his next artistic journey unfold.”

As Velázquez transitions into the next phase of his life and career, TBT and its audiences celebrate his legacy and wish him success in his future endeavors. Don’t miss this opportunity to catch Velázquez dance onstage in his final season.