SANTIAGO DE LOS CABALLEROS – Cultural institutions and ballet enthusiasts gathered at Centro León for a significant cinematic event showcasing Dominican Republic’s rich dance heritage. The premiere of “The Steps of Time” (2025), produced in collaboration with the Dominican Ballet Concert Foundation, served as both historical documentation and artistic tribute to the nation’s classical dance evolution.
Directed by filmmaker Oliver Olivo, this compelling documentary traces the formative years of professional ballet through the pioneering efforts of three foundational figures: Clara Elena Ramírez, Paulina Comprés, and Xiomara Rojas. Through archival footage and contemporary interviews, the film meticulously documents how these visionaries established the institutional framework and pedagogical standards that transformed Dominican ballet from its nascent stages to a professionally recognized art form.
Prominent cultural commentator Carlos Veitía, among other distinguished attendees, emphasized the film’s dual significance as both an artistic achievement and vital historical record. The documentary serves as a cultural time capsule, preserving the technical methodologies and artistic philosophies that defined early Dominican ballet.
Beyond mere historical recounting, the film illustrates how these pioneers’ legacy continues to influence contemporary Dominican cultural identity, demonstrating ballet’s evolution from imported European art form to nationally distinctive expression. The screening event itself became a gathering point for multiple generations of dancers, educators, and cultural preservationists, highlighting the ongoing relevance of these historical contributions to today’s artistic landscape.