Sor Juana, photo by Erin Baiano
(WEST LONG BRANCH, NJ) -- Experience the magic of Latino culture and dance as Ballet Hispánico, the largest Latine/Latinx/Hispanic cultural organization in the United States, graces the stage at Monmouth University's Center for the Arts at Pollak Theatre on Saturday, October 14, 2023 at 8:00pm. Recognized as one of America's Cultural Treasures, Ballet Hispánico is set to captivate audiences with their innovative dance productions that celebrate and explore the rich tapestry of Latino cultures.
Founded in 1970 by the visionary Tina Ramirez during the post-war civil rights movements, Ballet Hispánico was established as a haven for Black and Brown families seeking artistic sanctuary. It provided a space for Latinx dance and dancers to flourish, lifting up marginalized artists and youth. Today, under the leadership of Eduardo Vilaro, the organization continues to champion and amplify Latinx voices in the field of dance, pushing boundaries and deepening the legacy of showcasing Latine cultures. "No matter their background or identity – Latine, Latinx, Hispanic – Ballet Hispánico welcomes and serves all, breaking stereotypes and celebrating the beauty and diversity of Hispanic cultures through dance," says Eduardo Vilaro, the organization's Artistic Director & CEO.
Don't miss this extraordinary opportunity to witness the artistry, culture, and diversity of Ballet Hispánico Tickets range from $45-75 and can be reserved through the Monmouth University Box Office at 732.263.6889, or online at www.monmouth.edu/MCA.
The upcoming performance at Monmouth University's Pollak Theatre promises to be a feast for the senses. The evening's repertoire will feature four captivating pieces, each offering a unique and profound exploration of dance:
Sor Juana - Choreographed by Michelle Manzanales, Sor Juana delves into the life and legacy of the iconic 17th-century Mexican feminist, poet, scholar, and nun, Sor Juana Inés de la Cruz. This powerful piece provides a glimpse into her life and continues to inspire advocacy for women's rights and the rights of all who seek to live authentically.
Club Havana - Choreographer Pedro Ruiz, a native of Cuba, brings the intoxicating rhythms of conga, rumba, mambo, and cha cha to life in Club Havana. Set to a fusion of Cuban, jazz, and big-band swing music, this performance promises to be a silky, sexy joy.
New Sleep (Duet) - Choreographed by William Forsythe, New Sleep (Duet) offers a unique and inventive dance movement based on balletic axioms. Forsythe's work reorients ballet as a dynamic 21st-century art form, pushing the boundaries of dance.
Línea Recta - From choreographer Annabelle Lopez Ochoa comes Línea Recta, a powerful and resonant work that explores the absence of physical partnering in flamenco dance. While maintaining the genre's hallmark passion, Lopez Ochoa's piece offers an original and explosive movement language performed to flamenco guitar by Eric Vaarzon Morel.
Ballet Hispánico is the largest Latinx/Latine/Hispanic cultural organization in the United States and one of America's Cultural Treasures. Ballet Hispánico's three main programs, the Company, School of Dance and Community Arts Partnerships, bring communities together to celebrate the multifaceted Hispanic diasporas. Ballet Hispánico's New York City headquarters provide the physical home and cultural heart for Latinx dance in the United States. It is a space that initiates new inclusive cultural conversations and explores the intersectionality of Latine cultures. The Ballet Hispánico mission opens a platform for new social dialogue, and nurtures and sees a community in its fullness. Through its exemplary artistry, distinguished training program, and deep-rooted community engagement, Ballet Hispánico champions and amplifies Latine voices in the field. For over fifty years Ballet Hispánico has provided a place of honor for the omitted, overlooked and othered. As it looks to the future, Ballet Hispánico is pushing the culture forward on issues of dance and Latine creative expression.
Monmouth University is the region’s premier private coastal university offering a comprehensive array of undergraduate, graduate and doctoral degree programs in a dynamic and personalized learning environment. Located in West Long Branch, New Jersey, Monmouth University's magnificent coastal campus is approximately one hour from both New York City and Philadelphia. Innovative academic programs, individual faculty attention, and nationally ranked Division I athletics make this private university a great place to find your future.
