The Plenary Commission for Presidency, Finance, Special Accounts, Economic Promotion, and Sea City gave the green light to the initiative, proposed by the Sectoral Council of Culture, which distinguishes the artist's contribution to classical dance and her work in training new generations of dancers.
The new pedestrian street will be located between Madreselva and Gladiolo streets. Following approval, procedures will begin for the installation of identifying signs and relevant notifications to residents and involved organizations.
Wendy Artiles, who passed away on September 19, 2022, at the age of 54, developed an extensive artistic and teaching career that left a significant mark on classical dance in the Canary Islands and, particularly, in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria. As a dancer, she performed numerous key titles from the classical repertoire, noted for her technical skill, versatility, and interpretive sensitivity, also earning international recognition.
In addition to her stage career, Artiles dedicated a large part of her life to dance education, serving as a professor at the International Dance Workshops in Lisbon for over twenty years. She was a founding member of the Association of Dance Teachers of Las Palmas and served as a supervisor for Classical Dance exams for the National Dance of England in the Canary Islands.
Her notable performances include ‘Doramas’ and productions by the Wagnerian Association, such as ‘Tannhäuser’ and ‘Tristán e Isolda’. In 2010, alongside Miguel Montañez, she took over the direction of Gelu Barbu's Ballet Las Palmas, continuing his artistic and teaching legacy and training new generations of dancers.
Hundreds of students passed through her classes, many of whom have since developed recognized professional careers and joined important dance companies. With this street naming, the City Council honors Wendy Artiles' career and her commitment to the culture, performing arts, and teaching of classical dance in the city.
