The Compañía Nacional de Danza was founded in 1979 under the name Ballet Clásico Nacional and headed by Víctor Ullate as its first director. In February 1983, María de Ávila took on the directorship of both the Ballet Nacional Español and the Ballet Clásico Español, placing special emphasis on opening the doors to choreographers such as George Balanchine and Anthony Tudor. Furthermore, María de Ávila commissioned choreographies to the American dancer and choreographer Ray Barra, at the time resident in Spain. She later offered him the post as full-time director, which he accepted and held until December 1990. In December 1987, the outstanding Russian dancer Maya Plisétskaya took her post as artistic ballet director. In June 1990, Nacho Duato was installed as artistic director of what was now called the Compañía Nacional de Danza (CND); a position he held for twenty years, up to July 2010. His incorporation brought about an innovative change to the company’s history and make up, with the inclusion of new, original choreographies within its repertoire, together with long-standing tried and tested works. In August 2010, Hervé Palito succeeded Duato as artistic director for one year. In September 2011, José Carlos Martínez took the helm as director of the Compañía Nacional de Danza, holding the post for eight years. On 28 March 2019, INAEM—the culture ministry’s performing arts’ institute—announced Joaquín De Luz as new Artistic Director as of September 2019.