In 2012 City Ballet of San Diego received standing ovations and endless praise for its performance of “Romeo and Juliet.” This year, the Pacific Beach-based ballet company’s final show ended with a surprise that shocked the audience and changed two performers’ lives.
Throughout the performance it was the intricate costumes, set designs and acrobatics, along with the timeless love story that amazed audience members. When the show came to an end, it was an act by Romeo, played by Stéphano Candreva, that stole the show and the hearts of everyone in the room.
At the end of the performance, while the performers lined up to take their final bows, Candreva ran to take a prop off stage, or so everyone thought. In reality, Candreva had left to retrieve an engagement ring for his on and off stage Juliet.
Seconds later, Candreva returned and on one knee, in front of a full house, proposed to his girlfriend and dance partner of six years Erica Alvarado.
According to Candreva, it was the only way he ever imagined it happening.
“Romeo and Juliet is extra special to me,” Candreva said. “It is such a passionate and romantic ballet, and everything from the chemistry we share in our relationship to dancing the steps together felt so natural with Erica, the proposal too felt natural.”
Alvarado said that Candreva has always been theatrical and romantic but that she did not see this coming. She said she had been engulfed in becoming Juliet for the last two hours and had not thought once that night about a proposal.
“The whole company knew about the proposal the day before I popped the question,” Candreva said. “I had put that off because I didn’t want word getting out to Erica, the surprise factor mattered to me.”
Members of the dance company who witnessed the romantic event said his timing was thoughtful and heart warming.
Managing director Jo Anne Emery said the entire dance company was impressed with how well Candreva kept his secret and how beautifully it all came together.
Candreva and Alvarado met six years ago as members of the Milwaukee Ballet and a year later both coincidentally received contracts with City Ballet of San Diego.
Candreva said he has always known she was the one he would marry and had planned to propose last season but chose to wait for the “Romeo and Juliet” performance.
“Ballet drives both of our lives,” Candreva said. “Ballet is what brought us together and really what better play is there to propose after than ‘Romeo and Juliet’ where you two danced the roles of Romeo and Juliet?”