Ballet Hispánico will host The 55th Anniversary Emerald Gala honoring Henry R. Muñoz III with the Nuestra Inspiración Award – presented by Ana Navarro, CNN political commentator and co-host of The View – on Thursday, May 29, 2025. The evening will begin with a reception and performance of CARMEN.maquia at New York City Center, W. 56th Street & 6 ½ Avenue, and continues with a tribute, dinner, and dancing at the Ziegfeld Ballroom, 141 54th Street, NYC.

An exhilarating evening of dance, glamour, and culture in support of Ballet Hispánico’s Company, The Ballet Hispánico School, and Community Arts Partnerships programming, the evening begins with a performance in celebration of the 150th anniversary of Bizet’s beloved classic opera Carmen. Gustavo Ramírez Sansano’s full-length ballet CARMEN.maquia blends explosive choreography with deep emotion. Inspired by the Spanish art of tauromaquia (the art of bullfighting), it captures Carmen’s raw power and passion through movement.

The Gala Dinner following the performance is a beloved New York event attended by some 500 leaders in the arts and business communities and is truly a spectacular evening filled with performances by the students from The Ballet Hispánico School, and live music by three-time Grammy Award Winner, Spanish Harlem Orchestra, that entices guests to take to the dance floor.

“As a lifelong supporter of the arts, I am thrilled to be part of Ballet Hispánico’s Emerald Gala. Their unwavering commitment to artistic excellence and bringing Latino stories to the stage is inspiring and essential. This honor represents more than just personal recognition; it’s a celebration of Latino artists, our rich culture, and the transformative power of the arts to shape our society and create understanding,” said Henry R. Muñoz III, Nuestra Inspiración Award Honoree.

“Ballet Hispánico’s Emerald Gala is both a celebration of Latine heritage and a testament to the pride and resilience that defines us. We look forward to an unforgettable evening where art and community unite,” said Eduardo Vilaro, Artistic Director & CEO, Ballet Hispánico.

“I know I speak for our entire Board in expressing how proud we are of all Ballet Hispánico has achieved in its 55 years. Our Gala will be a glorious celebration in support of this organization that has transformed the landscape of dance in America by reflecting the stories of diverse Latine cultures – including the breathtaking CARMEN.maquia featured this season — through world-class dance education and the introduction of new and innovative choreography,” said Kate Lear, Chair, Ballet Hispánico Board of Directors.

Table and ticket reservations include access to the pre-performance reception and performance at New York City Center, followed by dinner and dancing at the Ziegfeld Ballroom. Attire for the evening is creative black tie, and the theme is “A Night at the Tropicana.”
To reserve your table or ticket, please contact Jessica Ventura at jventura@ballethispanico.org or visit https://www.ballethispanico.org/support/events/2025-gala.

Gala Performance Program:

CARMEN.maquia by Gustavo Ramírez Sansano

Gala Chairs:

Jody* & John Arnhold

Richard Feldman, SHS Foundation

Kate Lear* & Jonathan LaPook

David Pérez*

Joseph Wayland* & Patricia Verrilli

Gala Committee:

Melissa Alvarez-Downing* and Stuart Downing

Arnold Foundation

Avance Investment Management

Bloomberg Philanthropies

Michelle Caruso-Cabrera* and Stephen Dizard

Judith & James Dimon

Lois and Richard England Foundation

Auri Fenouil* and Sebastian Garcia

Matthew Ford*

Greenberg Traurig, LLP

Hiroko Ito*

Robert Kartheiser*

Sara* and Chris Lange

The Frances Lear Foundation

Juana* and Richard Maloof

Francisco Morales Barrón* and Ruth Halvey

Henry R. Muñoz III

O’Melveny and Myers LLP

Brett* and Lauren Perlmutter

Popular Bank

Francisco Ramírez-Valle* and Barry Abrams

Alison Ritz*

Rita Rodriguez*

Samuel H. Scripps Foundation

Ronald Shechtman* and Lynne Meadow

SOMOS Community Care

Sullivan and Cromwell LLP

Scott Tegethoff* and Marcie Howey

Jose* and Vanesa Tolosa

Marcos Torres*

Sergio Trujillo* and Jack Noseworthy

Danays Vichot*

Vinson & Elkins LLP

Charles Wortman* and Laura Baldwin

Committee in formation

Board Member*