Coachella Valley Repertory Summer Cabaret Series – Miguel Bernal

Miguel Bernal, dancer-singer-actor-author, started his professional dance career at Las Golondrinas Restaurant at Olvera Street in Los Angeles; followed by performances with his sisters as “Los Hermanos Bernal”, dancing at major events for Latin and Hollywood celebrities. His focus on dance took him first to Mexico City for studies with The Ballet Folklorico of Mexico, earning various appearances within the Mexican Capitol. A few years later Miguel embarked on private intense studies of classical dance and flamenco with Carmelita Maracci and Inesita in Los Angeles. On his return trip to Mexico, he studied flamenco with Joaquin Fajardo and Manolo Vargas. in Madrid, Spain, he studied Spanish and flamenco dance extensively with renowned dance teachers Faico, Rosario, Martin Vargas, Eloy Pericet and his mentor and icon, Pilar Lopez.

He studied Theater dance and performance with Gene Nelson, who later directed Miguel in the stage musical “Magdalene”, followed by “The Music Man” and “Godspell” directed by Squire Fridell. As a dramatic actor Miguel studied and participated with Los Angeles Actors Theatre and Carmen Zapata who subsequently hired the young actor to tour with The Bilingual Foundation of Arts, in productions of Garcia Lorca plays “Dona Rosita la Soltera” and “Bodas de Sangre”. Miguel studied and toured with Jose Greco and Nana Lorca performing with them on the televised New Year’s Eve Celebration on the Boston Pops and Stockton Symphony’s. Miguel continued with appearances on the Latin Grammy’s, “The Passion of Flamenco” and the award-winning “The Spirit of Flamenco” filmed at Time Warner Studios in San Diego. Miguel and Company completed a film documentary of “Flamenco” for Pro-Vision TV for distribution in Japan. Miguel performed as a guest artist and with his own ensemble in California, Nevada, Colorado, New Mexico, and New York.

Aside from his acting-dance career, Miguel traveled throughout Europe focusing on Interior Design and art history. This introduction opened a new arena in Dance History. Based on research and countless interviews with his teachers and celebrated performers, Miguel, aka Michael Bernal, authored and published two books, i.e. “The Golden Age of Spanish Dance” and “Legends of Spanish and Flamenco Dance.” You cannot become a well-rounded artist without the knowledge of the past.