Ballet Hispánico is America’s leading Hispanic and Latine dance organization, recognized by the Ford Foundation as one of America’s Cultural Treasures. For over five decades, it has championed artistic excellence through its three pillars: the Professional Company, School of Dance, and Community Arts Partnerships. Founded by Tina Ramirez in 1970, Ballet Hispánico quickly became a force in the dance world, blending classical ballet and contemporary techniques with Spanish and folkloric traditions. The Professional Company commissions works from leading and emerging choreographers, captivating audiences worldwide. In 2009, Eduardo Vilaro, a former Company dancer and founder of Luna Negra Dance Theater, became Artistic Director & CEO, expanding the organization’s impact. The School of Dance, a beacon of excellence for 54 years, trains over 1,000 students annually and awards $450,000 in scholarships. Its curriculum fosters technical mastery, creativity, and cultural appreciation. Through Community Arts Partnerships, Ballet Hispánico brings dance education and performance to 30,000 people annually—75% from Title I schools. Since its founding, it has connected with 2.3 million audience members, awarded $5.5 million in scholarships, and served 750,000 New Yorkers. In 2024 alone, Ballet Hispánico reached 24 million people globally, performed 60 times nationwide for 38,000 attendees, and provided 1,100 free tickets to NYC performances. Ballet Hispánico continues to push the boundaries of dance, inspiring audiences with performances that honor tradition, embrace innovation, and redefine the future of the art form.
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