Juan Jesús García Fernández

Cuban dancer and choreographer, master and director of the Traditional Dance Company JJ. He has dedicated himself to the study of Afro-Cuban folklore, contributing his knowledge to a more theoretical approach to this specialty in Cuba. He is one of the main figures of folkloric dance in the country.

He is a graduate of the University of the Arts (ISA), in Havana.

He possesses a notable artistic career that began with the National Folkloric Ensemble of Cuba (CFNC), and had an impact on other relevant companies in the world of Cuban dance, such as the Maraguán Student Ensemble.

He was a student of masters such as Rodolfo Reyes Cortés, first choreographer and founder of the CFNC, Santiago Alfonso, Alberto Alonso and Roberto Espinosa.

In September 1992 he founded his own professional company, the Company of Folkloric and Popular Dances of Cuba JJ. For 21 years he was artistic director and choreographer of the Comparsa of the FEU (University Student Federation) of the capital.

Positions and Responsibilities
President of the Technical Artistic Advisory Council of Turarte Agency
Member of the Scientific Committee of the Havana Carnival
Member of the National Commission Culture Tourism
Member of the Expert Group on Dance of the National Council of Performing Arts of the Ministry of Culture

Awards and Recognition
He has received 19 awards, 3 of them international, which allows him to endorse his rich artistic career of recognition and achievements. Winner of the Gold Medal at the Burgas festival (Bulgaria) 1974.

This artist has a prominent social life, obtaining recognition from various social organizations, founder of the A.J.R., Founder Medal of the C.D.R., He has been awarded the Machete of Máximo Gómez, National Vanguard in 1985 and 1986, Founder of the Julio Antonio Mella International Brigade (Medal).

He currently holds among others:
Order for the National Culture of Cuba
Order "Rubén Martínez Villena"
Order Raúl Gómez García
Order Lira of the Ministry of Culture of Bulgaria
Order XX Anniversary of the University of Camagüey
Gitana Tropical of the City of Havana
Municipal Medal of Havana del Este
Seal of Laureate Artist of the Central of Workers of Cuba
Order of the Cuban Capital "La Giraldilla de la Habana"
Literacy Medals
Medal of Internationalist of the People's Republic of Angola
National Dance Prize 2020, for his meritorious artistic career and the outstanding results of the body of his work.

By granting Johannes García the National Dance Prize in Cuba, recognition is given not only to the Director of the Traditional Dance Company of Cuba JJ, but to the artist who over nearly six decades has defended Cuban tradition. García was a principal dancer and choreographer of the National Folkloric Ensemble, has provided services in groups in several countries, worked in the promotion of traditional dances in the Havana carnival and has developed a long career as a teacher.

Other Recognition
In November 2006 he was decorated in Camagüey with the highest distinction of the territory "Espejo de Paciencia" and the University of Camagüey awarded him the Special Prize Diploma for his cultural contributions to Camagüey institutions.