From its humble beginnings as a dance school and community-based performing arts troupe founded by Tina Ramirez, Ballet Hispánico is now in its 50th season, gaining national and international stature as a major dance company under the current leadership by Artistic Director & CEO Eduardo Vilaro. As part of Glorya Kaufman Presents Dance at The Music Center, The Music Center’s INSIDE LOOK will celebrate Latinx Heritage Month with a special presentation of Ballet Hispánico. This is an offstage digital platform and INSIDE LOOK: Ballet Hispánico at 50 features an Interactive exploration into the connections, choreography and history of Latin American Culture with a Merengue Dance Lesson, plus special learning opportunities for younger audiences. The show will premiere on Monday, October 12, 2020, at 7:30 pm (PDT).
Ballet Hispánico performs “Club Havana” choreographed by Pedro Ruiz – Photo by Paula Lobo, courtesy of The Music Center
In partnership with Ballet Hispánico, The Music Center’s INSIDE LOOK: Ballet Hispánico at 50 will feature performance excerpts from the company’s repertory, including Línea Recta and Tiburones by Annabelle Lopez Ochoa, Con Brazos Abiertos by Michelle Manzanales and Club Havana by Pedro Ruiz. Also included are comments by company members that will add an extra layer of insight this rich and vibrant artform and culture.
For the younger audiences, visitors to The Music Center Offstage will also have access to a downloadable curriculum guide. “Additionally, middle and high school students from school districts across Los Angeles County will tune in the following day during class time as part of The Music Center’s Education programming to provide students with models of artistic excellence that inspire them to engage with dance and movement, diverse perspectives and the creative process.” Music Center press release – 9/25/20
Ballet Hispánico performs “Con Brazos Abietos” choreographed by Michelle Manzanales – Photo by Paula Lobo, courtesy of The Music Center
This presentation of INSIDE LOOK: Ballet Hispánico at 50 is programmed by TMC Arts, The Music Center’s programming arm, a dedicated series of online dance programs that they hope dance lovers will enjoy and perhaps inspire others to become regular dance viewers. The series offers viewers the opportunity to not only enjoy these dance works, but to engage with some of the world’s most prestigious ballet and contemporary dance artists.
INSIDE LOOK: Ballet Hispánico at 50 premieres Monday, October 12, 2020, at 7:30 pm (PDT). Watch HERE.
Closed captioning is available for deaf and hard-of-hearing viewers.
Click HERE for more details and to learn more about The Music Center Offstage.
Written by Jeff Slayton for LA Dance Chronicle.
Featured image: Ballet Hispánico performs Tiburones choreographed by Annabelle Lopez Ochoa – Photo by Paula Lobo, courtesy of The Music Center
