Ballet Hispánico, the nation’s renowned Latinx dance organization, based here in NYC, continues its 50th Anniversary Celebration with a series of FREE online showings of repertory pieces, including performances from the 80s and 90s by signature choreographers George Faison and Alberto Alonso.
Ballet Hispanico photo courtesy Lincoln Center
Ballet Hispánico Watch Party Series on Wednesdays, January 27 and February 10, available at ballethispanico.org, and on YouTube and Facebook
Performances are followed by live Q&A sessions with Artistic Director and CEO of Ballet Hispánico Eduardo Vilaro, choreographers and Company and alumni dancers. Each of the pieces feature Mr. Vilaro himself, during his years as a dancer with the Company.
January 27 at 7pm
¡Si Señor! ¡Es Mi Son (1994) !by Alberto Alonso, followed by a conversation with former Company member Donald Roman Lopez and other special guests.
Choreographer Alberto Alonso brings the spirit of Cuba to life. Elaborately costumed dancers make their way across the stage in a carnival style procession eventually breaking off in pairs, their movement intertwined with the Afro-Cuban rhythms of Gloria Estefan’s music from her album, Mi Tierra.
Choreography by Alberto Alonso; Assisted by Sonia Calero; Music by Gloria Estefan (from the album Mi Tierra); Costume Design by Randy Barcelo; Lighting Design by Donald Holder; Dancers: Pedro Ruiz, Amir Levy, Natalia Zisa, Eduardo Vilaro, Lynne Morrissey, Alessandra Corona, Rebecca Jefferson, Veronica Ruiz, Donald Roman Lopez, Yael Levitin, Marc Calamia, Linda Caceres, Rita Blandino, Christina Figueroa, Eric Rivera
February 10 at 7pm
Café America (1990) by George Faison, including post-event conversation with the choreographer himself.
Café America is a bittersweet envisioning of the “American Dream.” Three immigrants make their way to a new life dawned in brilliant-colored suits with a sense of determination evoked by Faison’s expansive, jazzy choreography.
Choreography by George Faison; Music by Ruben Blades and Julio Iglesias; Set Design by Pepon Osorio; Costume Design by Bernard Johnson; Lighting Design by Tim Hunter; Dancers: Marc Calamia, Eduardo Vilaro, and Amir Levy
About Ballet Hispánico -
Ballet Hispánico is the nation’s renowned Latino dance organization and one of America’s Cultural Treasures. Ballet Hispánico brings communities together to celebrate and explore Latino cultures through innovative dance performances, transformative dance training, and enduring community engagement experiences
Founded in 1970 by National Medal of Arts recipient, Tina Ramírez, the organization emerged during the post-civil rights movement on New York’s Upper West Side, providing a safe haven for primarily Black and Brown Latinx youth seeking artistic sanctuary during New York City’s plight in the 1970s.
The need for place, both culturally and artistically, led families to find Ballet Hispánico. The focus on dance as a means to develop working artists, combined with the training, authenticity of voice, and power of representation, fueled the organization’s roots and trajectory.
With its strong emphasis on dance, achievement, and public presence, the organization has flourished in its three main programs: its Company, School of Dance, and Community Arts Partnerships. The organization serves as a platform for historically omitted and overlooked artists providing them with increased capacity, voice, and affirmation.
Over the past five decades, by leading with Latinx culture at the forefront of performance, education, and advocacy, Ballet Hispánico’s mission is a catalyst of change and possibility for communities throughout our nation.
What do you think about this? We welcome your comments.