Celebrating the impact of Latino leaders, Ballet Hispánico‘s Carnaval Gala at The Plaza Hotel raised more than $1.25 million in support of the organization’s artistic, educational and community outreach programs in New York City, across the United States and around the world. This includes the creation of new Company works, scholarships for students at the renown Ballet Hispánico School of Dance, and numerous community arts and educational programs. Eduardo Vilaro, Ballet Hispánico’s Artistic Director and CEO was named HOMBRE Man of the Year in 2017.

Sergio Trujillo (L), Eduardo Vilaro (R), and Emilio and Gloria Estefan

Ballet Hispánico honored Latin music superstars Emilio & Gloria Estefan with the Nuestra Inspiración Award, presented by Sergio Trujillo; legendary fashion designer Carolina Herrera with the Toda Una Vida Award; and businessman and community activist Marcos Torres with the Civic Inspiration Award.

“We love this country, we are proud Americans, we are proud Latinos, and this tonight, represents that,” said honoree Emilio Estefan in his acceptance remarks.

Eduardo Vilaro, Kate Lear, and Carolina Herrera

Kate Lear, Ballet Hispánico Board Chair introduced Carolina Herrera: “Your life’s work of empowering women to be their best selves aligns with our mission at Ballet Hispánico to ignite the passion and unique talent in everyone we serve. Know that at this very moment, the trail-blazing path you have set is providing inspiration to our students and the young people in the room.”

“Our Ballet Hispánico Carnaval Gala was a glorious event that spotlighted the very best of Latina and Latino dance, fashion and community service,” said Eduardo Vilaro, Ballet Hispánico Artistic Director and CEO. “I am thrilled that all proceeds will support our vision of access to the arts and culture around our nation.”

Ballet Hispánico’s annual CARNAVAL Gala was a celebration of the impactful voices of the Latino world-an exciting and fitting way to showcase the resilience and unparalleled vision of one of America’s cultural gems. Attended by more than 450 of New York’s most influential civic leaders, philanthropists, and artists, the evening was filled with live Latin music and thrilling performances by the Ballet Hispánico Company, students of the School of Dance, and aspiring young dancers from the New Orleans Ballet Association.

Ballet Hispánico, the premier Latino dance organization in the United States, brings individuals and communities together to celebrate and explore Latino cultures through 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, National Medal of Arts recipient Tina Ramirez, sought to give voice to the Hispanic experience and break through stereotypes. Today, Ballet Hispánico is led by 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.

For more information, visit www.ballethispanico.org