Ballet Hispánico Partners with Penn State For a Virtual “50 Year Legacy Experience”

Ballet Hispánico, the nation’s renowned Latinx dance organization recognized this year as one of America’s Cultural Treasures, continues its 50th Anniversary Celebration, partnering with Penn State’s Center for the Performing Arts for a virtual “50 Year Legacy Experience.” The free online event begins on Wednesday, March 17, 2021 at 7:30pm ET and will be available to stream through Wednesday, March 24, 2021 at 7:30pm ET. The center’s debut of the recorded program will be followed by a live conversation with Ballet Hispánico’s Artistic Director & CEO Eduardo Vilaro moderated by Audience and Program Development Director Amy Dupain Vashaw. To watch or find more information, visit https://cpa.psu.edu/events/ballet-hispanico-2021.

50 years ago, an extraordinary Latina immigrant, Tina Ramirez, embarked on a journey to share her joy of dance and create avenues of access for artists of color in her community. This journey resulted in Ballet Hispánico. In “50 Year Legacy Experience,” Eduardo Vilaro guides viewers on an hour-long journey through Ballet Hispánico’s past, present and future. From the literal and metaphorical burning of New York City in the 1970s through the company’s 50th anniversary celebration, the event showcases some of dance’s most influential, innovative and inspiring artists. Vilaro narrates the video, which showcases beautiful and engaging Latinx repertories, and immerses viewers in the depth and breadth of Latinx culture and dance.

“50 Year Legacy Experience” is narrated by Eduardo Vilaro, Artistic Director & CEO. Concept & Creation by Eduardo Vilaro; Joshua Preston, Chief Operating Officer; and Natalia Mesa, Community Engagement Director. Edited by Natalia Mesa

The film features excerpts from Danse Creole by Geoffrey Holder, Tres Cantos by Talley Beatty, Group Portrait of a Ladyby Vicente Nebrada, Batucada Fantástica by Vicente Nebrada, Recuerdo de Camp Amor by Talley Beatty, Cada Noche Tango by Graciela Daniele, Solo by Susan Marshall, Good Night Paradise by Ramón Oller, Guajira by Pedro Ruiz, Palladium Nights by Willie Rosario, Nube Blanco by Annabelle Lopez Ochoa, Asuka by Eduardo Vilaro, and Con Brazos Abiertos by Michelle Manzanales. Videos in the film are provided by Nel Shelby Productions and Video D Studios. Contributions from the members of the Center for the Performing Arts and a grant from the University Park Student Fee Board help make the program free of charge. The program is part of the center’s “Up Close and Virtual” 2020–21 season. Geisinger and Northwest provide support for virtual presentations by the Center for the Performing Arts. For more information about forthcoming “Up Close and Virtual” season events, visit www.cpa.psu.edu/events. Find the Center for the Performing Arts on Facebook at facebook.com/PSCPA, on Twitter at twitter.com/psupresents and on Instagram at instagram.com/psupresents.

About Ballet Hispánico
Ballet Hispánico is the nation’s renowned Latino dance organization and one of America’s Cultural Treasures. Ballet Hispánico brings communities together to celebrate and explore Latino cultures through innovative dance performances, transformative dance training, and enduring community engagement experiences. Founded in 1970 by National Medal of Arts recipient, Tina Ramírez, the organization emerged during the post-civil rights movement on New York’s Upper West Side, providing a safe haven for primarily Black and Brown Latinx youth seeking artistic sanctuary during New York City’s plight in the 1970s. The need for place, both culturally and artistically, led families to find Ballet Hispánico. The focus on dance as a means to develop working artists, combined with the training, authenticity of voice, and power of representation, fueled the organization’s roots and trajectory. With its strong emphasis on dance, achievement, and public presence, the organization has flourished in its three main programs: its Company, School of Dance, and Community Arts Partnerships. The organization serves as a platform for historically omitted and overlooked artists providing them with increased capacity, voice, and affirmation. Over the past five decades, by leading with Latinx culture at the forefront of performance, education, and advocacy, Ballet Hispánico’s mission is a catalyst of change and possibility for communities throughout our nation.