Move over Ricky Martin! Ballet Hispanico, whose dances reflect the cultures of 21 nations, will electrify the audience with its show-stopping, eye-popping Latin repertory ranging from flamenco to jazz, on Saturday, March 25, at 8 p.m., in Fairfield University's Regina A. Quick Center for the Arts.
Founded in 1970 by Artistic Director Tina Ramirez, Ballet Hispanico is recognized around the world as the foremost dance interpreter of Hispanic life in the United States. This innovative company is known for mixing classical ballet techniques with Spanish dance forms varying from the traditional to the avant-garde that are as diverse as the Latin culture itself.
More than 60 new works have been commissioned by Ms. Ramirez from choreographers of such international stature as: Alberto Alonso, Talley Beatty, Graciela Daniele, Vincente Nebrada, Ramon Oller and Ann Reinking. Through movement, music, theme, style and gusto, these commissions create a theatrical, contemporary vision of Latin culture that appeals to audiences everywhere.
Ramirez was born in Venezuela to a Mexican bullfighter and a Puerto Rican educator. The family came to the United States when Tina was seven, moving to Manhattan where Ballet Hispanico is now housed in its own $2 million facility - renovated especially for dance.
Ballet Hispanico also includes a year-round school of dance, unique with its emphasis on ballet and Spanish dance as its core curriculum together with extensive educational programming. The school provides opportunities for young people who would not otherwise have the chance to learn dance and seeks to promote an appreciation of North America's Hispanic population as well as to strengthen pride in its cultural heritage.
Tickets to Ballet Hispanico are $38, $33 and $28 with discounts available for seniors, students and groups. An Art-to-Heart discussion with a question and answer session will follow the performance. For information, call (203) 254-4010 or toll-free at 1-877-ARTS-396.
Posted On: 03-15-2000 09:03 AM
Volume: 32 Number: 182