Norbe Risco began his dance training in Camaguey, Cuba, in 1980. After graduating from the Professional Art School, he performed as a guest artist at Italy’s Teatro Nuovo and joined the Ballet de Camaguey under the direction of Fernando Alonso. In 1990, he became Principal dancer and toured all over the world. Three years later, he joined the Ballet de Monterrey, Mexico, under the direction of Ann Marie D’Angelo and Fernando Bujones.

 

Risco has also worked with choreographers and dancers such as Melissa Haydn and Cynthia Gregory.
He has been a member of Ballet Theater of Chicago and Lyric Opera of Chicago. His repertoire includes roles such as Dracula in Dracula, Phantom in Phantom of the Opera, and Siegfried in Swan Lake. He performed in a Principal role in Le Corsaire (pas de deux), Don Quixote (pas de deux), Romeo and Juliet (pas de deux), and Nutcracker, among others.

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Risco has served as the Artistic Director of KBT since 2001. In that role, he has choreographed existing and original works such as Don Quixote, Hoops (a comedic tribute to Kentucky basketball), and The Night Before Christmas. In 2011, he received the “Al Smith Award” in choreography from the Kentucky Arts Council, which recognizes professional Kentucky artists who demonstrate high-level excellence.