Ballet Hispánico Part II: Nurturing Latinx Voices
Providing a platform and mentorship for young and emerging Latinx artists.
The School of Dance
The Ballet Hispánico School of Dance is the direct link to the organization’s values of access, opportunity, and pride for all students interested in dance and Latinx culture.
BH Los Pasitos Students by Rachel NevilleBallet Hispánico
The School is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Dance; it empowers students by offering a holistic approach to movement discovery.
BH Hip-Hop Class by Rachel NevilleBallet Hispánico
“As I watched the beautiful babies of the School of Dance perform, it made me go back a long time ago in Puerto Rico. Back then, there were no wonderful organizations like Ballet Hispánico. . .”
Ballet Hispánico School of Dance Students by Rachel NevilleBallet Hispánico
“. . .can you imagine if I had the advantage of being one of the little girls we saw tonight, being supported and encouraged in arts education? Especially, especially for immigrant children!” – EGOT-winner, Rita Moreno
Community Arts Partnerships
Under Mr. Vilaro’s leadership, Ballet Hispánico’s Community Arts Partnerships programs now have a dynamic presence in all five New York City boroughs as well as communities across the nation.
CAP Residency by Rachel WattsBallet Hispánico
The programs pair highly trained dancers, choreographers and teaching artists with students, educators, dance audiences and the general public.
Eduardo Vilaro leading a Latin social dance class at United Palace Theatre by Hayim HeronBallet Hispánico
Community Arts Partnerships engage and enrich communities through innovative experiences in dance and culture.
Ballet Hispánico Workshop by Janelle KeifferBallet Hispánico
"When we reach out to communities who are underserved, we bring possibilities to those who may never have dreamed about or seen dance as art. . ."
". . .they are given a chance to consider a different perspective and perhaps develop an aesthetic. Arts education is a transformative experience." - Eduardo Vilaro, Artistic Director & CEO
Nurturing Emerging Latinx Voices
Under Mr. Vilaro's leadership. Ballet Hispánico has won accolades with performances in the United States and around the world. He launched new programs to further elevate the voices of Latinx artists through choreographic laboratories, Diálogos, open panel discussions, and community engagement.
Con Brazos Abiertos by Michelle Manzanales by Amy KerwinBallet Hispánico
“Ballet Hispánico shows what it is to be Latino in the modern world.” – Financial Times
A Vueltas Con Los Ochentas (2012) by Photo by Paula Lobo and Choreography by Barberá/ GarcíaBallet Hispánico
“Ballet Hispánico is contemporary dance’s hottest spot.” – Washington Post
Instituto Coreográfico
Mr. Vilaro wanted the Company to have a deeper commitment to mentoring emerging Latinx choreographers. This vision became a reality through the creation of, Instituto Coreográfico.
Instituto Coreográfico rehearsal by Madeline CampisanoBallet Hispánico
Instituto Coreográfico was launched in 2010, as an “incubator” for emerging choreographers.
Tania Peréz-Salas in rehearsal by Jackeline MontalvoBallet Hispánico
“Many companies pay lip service to nurturing talent, but Ballet Hispánico has devoted significant resources and care to cultivating emerging artists.” -The New York Times.
Sombrerisimo (2013) by Annabelle Lopez-Ochoa and (c) Paula LoboBallet Hispánico
From Instituo Coreográfico, Ballet Hispánico's All-Latina program was developed, showcasing work exclusively from Latina choreographers. Since the debut of the All-Latina program at The Joyce Theater in 2017, there have been various renditions performed on tour, at the Apollo Theater, and most recently at the new New York City park, Little Island.
Ballet Hispánico's Instituto Coreográfico Choreographer Marielis Garcia (2021) by Whitney BrowneBallet Hispánico
Ballet Hispánico's most recent choreographer to emerge from Instituto Coreográfico is Marielis Garcia. She presented her work-in-progress virtually at the end of her residency and had the opportunity to be part of Ballet Hispánico's first performance at Little Island, La Fuerza Latina.
Providing a Platform
Mr. Vilaro continues to stress the importance of putting women artists in leadership roles.
Intersecting Diasporas
“In exploring the intersections of diasporas, we peel another layer of the cultural onion for our communities: the Asian in Hispanic, the Chino in Latino, and the intersections of culture.” – Eduardo Vilaro, Artistic Director & CEO
Mario Ismael Espinoza and Jessica Alejandra Wyatt in Mad'moiselle by Eduardo PatinoBallet Hispánico
Ballet Hispánico’s work over the past fifty years has given visibility to the astounding contribution of our Latinx people. Just the simple act of placing these voices on national and international stages, continues to be an act of advocacy.
What a gift to be able to nurture artists of color and create cultural dialogues for all communities.
Learn More
Continue exploring in Part I or Part III of our Google Arts & Culture Exhibit!
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