Ballet Hispanico, recognized as the nation’s leading Latino dance organization since 1970, returns to The Joyce Theater from April 15-27, 2014 with 15 performances featuring four dynamic programs. Tickets start at $10 and are on sale now. The lineup of works, curated by Eduardo Vilaro in his fourth year as Artistic Director of Ballet Hispanico, features El Beso, a stunning world premiere by Spanish native Gustavo Ramírez Sansano with original costumes by internationally renowned fashion designer Angel Sanchez.

Other highlights include three Joyce premieres: Sombrerísimo, Belgo-Colombian Annabelle Lopez Ochoa’s athletic tour de force for six male dancers; Umbral, Edgar Zendejas’s seductive interpretation of the beloved Mexican celebration “Día de los Muertos” (Day of the Dead); and Eduardo Vilaro’s Hogar, a moving meditation on immigrant identity and the meaning of home set to live music by masterful Russian composer Ljova (Program B only).  Nacho Duato’s masterwork Jardi Tancat, the Joyce premiere of Edwaard Liang‘s lush duet A Verme, and repertory favorites from Vilaro and Lopez Ochoa round out the colorful season.

“It’s been a gift to work with so many talented artists and collaborators this season,” said Eduardo Vilaro, Artistic Director of Ballet Hispanico. “I’m thrilled to introduce New York audiences to the work of Gustavo Ramírez Sansano, who paired with the fashion maverick Angel Sanchez, has created a feast for the eyes. Ms. Lopez Ochoa’s Sombrerísimo was an audience favorite at the Fall for Dance Festival in September and I’m sure it will continue to enthrall audiences at The Joyce. I’m also proud to say that this is our third consecutive New York Season to feature live music—the beloved Latino tradition of marrying dance with live music is one that Ballet Hispanico seeks to uphold.”

An Opening Night Celebration with the Ballet Hispanico dancers and artists will take place at El Cid, 174 Eighth Ave. at 19th Street on Tuesday, April 15th following that evening’s performance. Advance tickets to the celebration featuring Spanish tapas, wine and sangria are $50 ($60 at the door) and can be purchased online at ballethispanico.org.

Ballet Hispanico’s New York Season at The Joyce Theater – April 15-27, 2014

El Beso (2014) – World Premiere
Choreography by Gustavo Ramírez Sansano
Award-winning Spanish choreographer Gustavo Ramírez Sansano (a Dance Magazine “25 to Watch” pick) premieres his first commission for Ballet Hispanico, a tongue-in-cheek ode to the kiss and its varying manifestations, with original costumes by Venezuelan fashion designer Angel Sanchez.

A Verme (2012) – Joyce Premiere
Choreography by Edward Liaang
A Verme or “Into Me See,” a duet set to the lush music of Ezio Bosso, explores the concept of intimacy and the push and pull of energy that connects two individuals. The piece follows the tension and release of a timeless attraction between two lovers outside of time and space.

Hogar (2013) – Joyce Premiere – LIVE MUSIC
Choreography by Eduardo Vilaro with music composed by Ljova, performed live by Ljova and the Pinky Swear Brigade
Artistic Director Eduardo Vilaro unveils his latest work for Ballet Hispanico, a moving meditation on immigrant identity and the meaning of home created in collaboration with acclaimed Russian composer Ljova to original music.

Sombrerísimo (2013) – Joyce Premiere
Choreography by Annabelle Lopez Ochoa
An absorbing exploration of identity, Sombrerísimo makes references to 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.

Umbral (2013) – Joyce Premiere
Choreography by Edgar Zendejas
Edgar Zendejas’s first commission for Ballet Hispanico—set to original music by Owen Belton—draws viewers into the ethereal world that is at the heart of the beloved Mexican celebration “Día de los Muertos” (Day of the Dead).

Mad’moiselle (2010)
Choreography by Annabelle Lopez Ochoa
Mad’moiselle creates a world that explores iconic male/female images and gender identity in Latin American cultures. Through rich imagery and theatrical satire, Annabelle Lopez Ochoa weaves a tongue-in-cheek look at the “Marias” in all our lives. The score, created with composer/sound designer Bart Rijnink, will draw on the music of Chavela Vargas, who is best known for her rendition of beloved Mexican rancheras.

Jardi Tancat (1983)
Choreography by Nacho Duato
Duato’s very first work, based on Catalonian folk tales sung by Maria del Mar Bonet, won him first prize at the International Choreographic Workshop in Cologne. With equal shades of passion and melancholy, the ballet evokes the despairing yet hopeful prayers of Spaniards who wait for rain on their barren land.

Asuka (2011)
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, Artistic Director Eduardo Vilaro explores the struggles of departure from one’s homeland and the exuberance of success experienced by a community. Asuka was Vilaro’s first work for Ballet Hispanico.
PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE

Program A
Umbral, Sombrerísimo, El Beso
Tue 4/15, Wed 4/16 at 7:30pm; Thu 4/17, Fri 4/18, Sat 4/19 at 8pm; Sun 4/20 at 7:30pm

Program B
Mad’moiselle, Hogar with live music by Ljova and the Pinky Swear Brigade, El Beso
Tue 4/22, Wed 4/23 at 7:30pm; Thu 4/24, Fri 4/25, Sat 4/26 at 8pm

Program C
Jardi Tancat, Sombrerísimo, Asuka
Sat 4/19, Sun 4/20*, Sat 4/26 at 2pm
*Show on 4/20 includes post-performance Q&A with Ballet Hispanico Artistic Director and dancers

Program D: specially programmed to celebrate retiring Ballet Hispanico dancer Vanessa Valecillos
Jardi Tancat, A Verme, Sombrerísimo, Mad’moiselle
Sun 4/27 at 2pm

Ballet Hispanico’s 2014 New York season is made possible by Jody and John Arnhold, Goya Foods, The Harkness Foundation for Dance, Bloomberg Philanthropies, The Fan Fox & Leslie R. Samuels Foundation, The Shubert Foundation, The Princess Grace Foundation – USA and with public support from the National Endowment for the Arts, the New York State Council on the Arts, a state agency, 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.

For more information, visit www.ballethispanico.org