Puerto Rican choreographer Aníbal Marrero named creative director for Miss Universe 2026
Marrero will also lead choreography for the November 24 pageant at the Coliseo de Puerto Rico, becoming the first islander to hold both roles.
The short version
- Primera Hora reports that Aníbal Marrero has been named creative director and head of choreography for Miss Universe 2026
- El Nuevo Día reports that auditions for local dancers will be held on Monday, Oct. 12 from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. at LIV Fitness Club in Guaynabo
- Both outlets state that dancers must be between 18 and 35 years old with professional stage experience
- Marrero told both outlets he is happy to return to Puerto Rico to work with local talent
Local talent to lead Miss Universe production
Puerto Rican choreographer Aníbal Marrero will serve as creative director and head of choreography for Miss Universe 2026, according to Primera Hora. The event is scheduled for Nov. 24 at the Coliseo de Puerto Rico José Miguel Agrelot in San Juan. El Nuevo Día reported that Marrero becomes the first Puerto Rican to hold both positions simultaneously.
Marrero, who is based in Los Angeles, has worked with artists including Pitbull, Karol G, Paulina Rubio, Ally Brooke, Il Divo and Yolandita Monge, Primera Hora and El Nuevo Día reported. He has also served as artistic director and choreographer for “Nuestra Belleza Latina” and “Mira Quién Baila,” and as creative director for Billboard Women in Music and Premios Heat. Both outlets noted his involvement in projects tied to the MTV Video Music Awards and American Music Awards.
What the sources posted
Posts and statements below are the sources' own words, quoted as published. They are not independently verified.
Estoy muy contento de volver a Puerto Rico y trabajar con el talento de nuestra isla.
Our translation: I am very happy to return to Puerto Rico and work with the talent of our island.
The source's own statement, as quoted by Primera Hora. Not verified by PuertoRico.com.
Auditions open for local dancers
The production has opened auditions for Puerto Rican dancers to join the final-night cast, according to both Primera Hora and El Nuevo Día. The open call is set for Monday, Oct. 12, 2026, from 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. at LIV Fitness Club in Guaynabo. It is open to dancers aged 18 to 35 with professional stage training and experience.
Marrero will oversee the choreography alongside an international production team that includes professionals arriving from various U.S. cities to collaborate with local producers, Primera Hora reported. El Nuevo Día added that the selected dancers will work directly with Marrero’s team on the international-scale production.
Where the sources differ
Primera Hora and El Nuevo Día largely agree on Marrero’s appointment, his background, the Nov. 24 date, and the Oct. 12 audition details in Guaynabo. Both quote Marrero expressing enthusiasm about returning to Puerto Rico. Primera Hora emphasizes that he makes history as the first Puerto Rican in both roles and includes a longer version of his statement. El Nuevo Día adds more detail on how the local dancers will integrate into the show and slightly varies the wording of Marrero’s quote.
What the reports do not say
The reports do not specify how many dancers will be selected, what the final choreography will include, the names of the other production team members, or the full budget and sponsorship details for the event. They also do not mention whether Marrero will choreograph preliminary events or only the final night.
Sources
Every link below was opened and checked when this story was published. Official means a government body, agency or the organization itself; Reporting means a news outlet.
- Reporting Coreógrafo boricua asumirá la dirección creativa y los bailes de Miss Universe 2026
- Reporting Coreógrafo boricua Aníbal Marrero estará a cargo de los bailes de Miss Universe 2026
How we checked this
Both Primera Hora and El Nuevo Día reported Marrero’s dual appointment and the upcoming auditions. The quotes from Marrero and the exact audition time and location rest on these two outlets. No other sources were used.
Compiled by the PuertoRico.com News Desk from the reports and statements listed above, and checked against them before publishing. It does not include original interviews. Spot an error? Email support@puertorico.com with a link to this story.