Ballet Hispanico, the nation’s premier Latino dance organization, celebrates its 45th anniversary New York Season at the Joyce Theater from April 5-10, 2016 with eight performances featuring a New York Premiere and a special matinee for children and families. Tickets start at $10 and are on sale now at www.joyce.org

Ballet Hispanico, the nation’s premier Latino dance organization, celebrates its 45th anniversary New York Season at the Joyce Theater from April 5-10, 2016 with eight performances featuring a New York Premiere and a special matinee for children and families. Tickets start at $10 and are on sale now at www.joyce.org

Artistic Director and CEO Eduardo Vilaro debuts a program that promises to be as transcendent as the company’s “extremely capable and charismatic dancers” (The New York Times), featuring Ballet Hispanico’s effervescent signature work Club Havana by Cuban-American choreographer Pedro Ruiz along with a double bill of Spanish favorites: the New York Premiere of Gustavo Ramírez Sansano’s colorful, amusing and fast-moving Flabbergast, as well as a revival of Ramón Oller’s beloved and haunting Bury Me Standing.

“Our Joyce program this year showcases the breadth and range of the company over the past 45 years of artistic reflection,” said Eduardo Vilaro, Artistic Director and CEO of Ballet Hispanico. “Pedro Ruiz and Ramón Oller both have a meaningful history with Ballet Hispanico, and Gustavo Ramírez Sansano has quickly established himself as a standout choreographic voice since we introduced his work to New York audiences two years ago. Their works honor Ballet Hispanico’s trajectory while embracing our forward-thinking spirit.”

In keeping with its mission to make the beauty of the arts and Latino culture accessible to all communities, Ballet Hispanico for the second year brings its En Familia matinee to the Joyce Theater: a 90-minute, fun-filled journey through Latin American dance and culture featuring Artistic Director Eduardo Vilaro and Education Director AnaMaria Correa as co-hosts, excerpts from Ballet Hispanico’s diverse repertory and a Q&A with the dancers. Tickets for the En Familia matinee are $10-25.

Ballet Hispanico’s 45th Anniversary NY Season at the Joyce Theater – April 5-10, 2016

PROGRAM A: Apr 5, 6 & 10 at 7:30 pm; Apr 7-9 at 8pm; Apr 10 at 2pm

Flabbergast (2001) – New York Premiere
Choreography by Gustavo Ramírez Sansano
In Flabbergast, Gustavo Ramírez Sansano exposes with humor our stereotypes and preconceived ideas about new and foreign places. Hailed by the Chicago Tribune as a “fun-filled spectacle,” the piece tells the story of a newcomer coming to a place for the first time in a “colorful, amusing, fast-moving” style.

Bury Me Standing (1998)
Choreography by Ramón Oller
The unique culture of the Gypsy or “Roma” people, a marginalized community that has journeyed across continents for a thousand years, inspired Spanish choreographer Ramón Oller to create Bury Me Standing. The compelling rhythms and melodies which accompany the ballet-drawn from Spain and Eastern Europe, traditional folk songs, and contemporary world music-reflect the emotional essence of the Roma: their strong communal bonds, sensuality, feelings of oppression and longing, and their strength and exuberance.

Club Havana (2000)
Choreography by Pedro Ruiz
Latin dancing at its best. The intoxicating rhythms of the Conga, Rumba, Mambo, and Cha Cha are brought to life by choreographer Pedro Ruiz, a native of Cuba, in this re-imagined 1950s Havana nightclub populated by virtuoso dancers.

EN FAMILIA PROGRAM: Apr 9 at 2pm

Asuka (2011) – Excerpt
Choreography by Eduardo Vilaro
Asuka is a celebration of the music of Celia Cruz through the lens of the Latino experience. Cruz, renowned as the “Queen of Salsa,” captured the heart of Latinos the world over and became a symbol of perseverance for many. Through rich imagery and humor, Eduardo Vilaro explores the struggles of departure from one’s homeland and the exuberance of success experienced by a community.

Flabbergast (2001) – Excerpt
Choreography by Gustavo Ramírez Sansano
In Flabbergast, Gustavo Ramírez Sansano exposes with humor our stereotypes and preconceived ideas about new and foreign places. Hailed by the Chicago Tribune as a “fun-filled spectacle,” the piece tells the story of a newcomer coming to a place for the first time in a “colorful, amusing, fast-moving” style.

Tito on Timables (1984) – Excerpt
Choreography by William Whitener
Tito on Timbales is a tribute to the music of master percussionist Tito Puente. In this ballet, choreographer William Whitener captures the joy and intricacies of social dance through cascading patterns, sensual partnering and the community of celebration.

Sombrerísimo (2013) – Excerpt
Choreography by Annabelle Lopez Ochoa
An absorbing exploration of identity, Sombrerísimo references the surrealist world of the Belgian painter René Magritte, famous for his paintings of men in bowler hats. This athletic work for six male dancers was commissioned by New York City Center for the 10th anniversary of the Fall for Dance Festival.

Bury Me Standing (1998) – Excerpt
Choreography by Ramón Oller
The unique culture of the Gypsy or “Roma” people, a marginalized community that has journeyed across continents for a thousand years, inspired Spanish choreographer Ramón Oller to create Bury Me Standing. The compelling rhythms and melodies which accompany the ballet-drawn from Spain and Eastern Europe, traditional folk songs, and contemporary world music-reflect the emotional essence of the Roma: their strong communal bonds, sensuality, feelings of oppression and longing, and their strength and exuberance.

Club Havana (2000) – Excerpt
Choreography by Pedro Ruiz
Latin dancing at its best. The intoxicating rhythms of the Conga, Rumba, Mambo, and Cha Cha are brought to life by choreographer Pedro Ruiz, a native of Cuba, in this re-imagined 1950s Havana nightclub populated by virtuoso dancers.

Ballet Hispanico’s 2016 New York season is made possible by Jody and John Arnhold, The Fan Fox & Leslie R. Samuels Foundation, with public support from the National Endowment for the Arts, the New York State Council on the Arts, a state agency, and the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the City Council.

MetLife Foundation is the Official Tour Sponsor of Ballet Hispanico

BALLET HISPANICO
The Joyce Theater, 175 Eighth Avenue (at 19th Street), NYC
April 5-10, 2016
Tue-Wed 7:30pm; Thu-Fri 8pm; Sat 2pm & 8pm; Sun 2pm & 7:30pm
Tickets start at $10 and are available for purchase in person at the Joyce Theater Box Office, by phone at (212) 242-0800, or online at joyce.org. Ticket prices are subject to change.