Ballet Hispánico is the premier Latino dance organization in the United States.
Bringing together individuals and communities to celebrate and explore Latino cultures through the art of dance. Whether dancing on stage, in school, or in the street, Ballet Hispánico creates a space where few institutions are breaking ground. The organization’s founder, Tina Ramirez, sought to give voice to the Hispanic experience and break through stereotypes. Today, Ballet Hispánico is led by Eduardo Vilaro, an acclaimed choreographer and former member of the Company, whose vision of social equity, cultural identity and quality arts education for all, drives its programs. Ballet Hispánico, a role model in and for the Latino community, is inspiring creativity and social awareness in our neighborhoods and across the country by providing access to arts education.
This year Ballet Hispánico hosted its annual CARNAVAL gala at the Plaza Hotel, which honored Latin music superstars Emilio & Gloria Estefan with the Nuestra Inspiración Award. Gloria Estefan has sold more than 100 million records, won 7 Grammy Awards and was the first Latin female to be named “BMI’s Songwriter of the Year.” Emilio Estefan is also a Grammy winner, having won 19 times as a musician, songwriter and producer. He was named “BMI’s Songwriter of the Year”, the first “Person of the Year” by the Latin Academy of Recording Arts & Sciences. Additionally, the legendary fashion designer Carolina Herrera was honored with the Toda Una Vida Award. Having been featured in top international publications, she is also known for the Hollywood stars who wear her designs across the red carpet. Carolina Herrera’s designs are an authentic expression of the designer’s mission to make woman look and feel their most beautiful.
The annual CARNAVAL Gala took place on Monday, May 7, 2018. The proceeds will benefit the creation of prospective choreographic works and provide the much needed scholarships for young people. “Ballet Hispánico is deeply honored to celebrate four of the most influential Latino leaders of our time,”proclaimed Board Chair Kate Lear about the honorees,“Pioneers in their respective fields, these individuals are shining examples of the power of the immigrant experience. Their contributions have literally changed the world.”
Ballet Hispánico’s annual CARNAVAL Gala, celebrates the influential and inspiring voices of the Latino world. The Gala is an exciting and fitting way to showcase the resilient vision of one of America’s cultural gems. It is attended by more than 500 of New York’s most influential civic leaders, philanthropists, and artists, who upon entrance have their ears filled with live Latin music and performances by the Ballet Hispánico Company and students of the School of Dance.
It showcases the Ballet Hispánico’s impact in communities across the nation with a performance by aspiring young dancers from the New Orleans Ballet Association. Eduardo Vilaro, the Artistic Director & CEO worked with Danzon, a popular piece in Ballet Hispánico’s repertory, alongside the NOBA students during a recent engagement in New Orleans.
For more information, visit www.ballethispanico.org. Follow Ballet Hispánic on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
