Ballet Hispanico, recognized as the nation’s leading Latino dance organization since 1970, makes its annual return to the Apollo stage to present the New York Premiere of its first evening-length narrative work, CARMEN.maquia,choreographed by Gustavo Ramírez Sansano, in a one-night-only engagement on Saturday, November 22, 2014 at 8pm.

Hailed as a “masterpiece” by the Chicago Sun-Times, Gustavo Ramírez Sansano’s CARMEN.maquia, like Georges Bizet’s iconic opera about a passionate gypsy, is riveting from start to finish.  The physically charged and sensual choreography fuses contemporary dance with the subtleties of the Spanish paso doble and flamenco dances. A stunning set design by Luis Crespo and minimalist black-and-white costumes by fashion designer David Delfin evoke the paintings of Pablo Picasso.  Highly original and full of elaborate partnering, CARMEN.maquia is a bold and electrifying reimagining of this tragic tale.

“Storytelling and movement is intrinsic to our culture and woven into the fabric of who we are as human beings, and I am thrilled to give New York audiences the opportunity to experience the story of Carmen through the eyes of a contemporary Spanish choreographer,” said Eduardo Vilaro, Artistic Director of Ballet Hispanico. “Gustavo Ramírez Sansano has created a seductive, bold, and brilliant work that will delight and inspire.”

Spaniard Gustavo Ramírez Sansano first presented his work in New York when he choreographed for   Ballet  Hispanico in April 2014, premiering El Beso.

CARMEN.maquia is sponsored by Goya Foods. Tickets are $28-$58 and are available online at Ticketmaster.com, by phone at (800) 745-3000, or in person at the Apollo Theater Box Office at 253 W. 125th Street, NYC.  For more information, visit www.ballethispanico.org.

Ballet Hispanico’s 2015 New York season is made possible by Jody and John Arnhold, Goya Foods, The Harkness Foundation for Dance, The Fan Fox & Leslie R. Samuels Foundation, The Shubert Foundation, with public support from the National Endowment for the Arts, the New York State Council on the Arts, the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the City Council, and Spain Culture New York-Consulate General of Spain & Spain Arts & Culture.