NEW YORK THEATRE BALLET presents Keith Michael's The Nutcracker at Florence Gould Hall

New York Theatre Ballet will perform Keith Michael's The Nutcracker from December 11-13, 2015 at Florence Gould Hall, 55 East 59th Street, NYC (between Park and Madison Avenues). Performances are Friday at 12pm; Saturday at 11am, 1pm, and 3:30pm; and Sunday at 11am, 1pm, and 3:30pm. Tickets are $24 for children 12 and under and $34 for adults, and are available online at www.nytb.org, via Ticketmaster at (800) 982-2787, or in person at the Florence Gould Hall box office at (212) 355-6160. For group sales: 212-679-0401 or email groups@nytb.org.

New York Theatre Ballet (NYTB) returns for a fifth year of Keith Michael's The Nutcracker, an enchanting holiday ballet. From clockwork imps to a luminous owl that flies above the audience, mice dressed in polka dots and dancers dancing with huge chopsticks, this timeless re-imagined classic bursts with energy and excitement. This holiday ballet, danced to Tchaikovsky's beloved score, is set in Art Nouveau style circa 1907 with innovative choreography by long-time NYTB choreographer, Keith Michael, set design by Gillian Bradshaw-Smith, and costumes by Metropolitan Opera's Resident Costume Designer Sylvia Taalsohn Nolan. This one-hour ballet is perfect for ages 3 and up! 

PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE:

  • Friday, December 11, 2015 at 12 pm
  • Saturday, December 12, 2015 at 11am, 1pm, and 3:30pm
  • Sunday, December 13, 2015 at 11am, 1pm, and 3:30pm

For more information, visit: www.nytb.org

NYTB's BALLET SCHOOL NY announces 2015-16 training program beginning Monday, Sep 21

Ballet School NY, the official training school of New York Theatre Ballet, is pleased to announce its 2015-16 training program, beginning Monday, September 21, 2015 at NYTB's home studio, located at St. Mark's Church-in-the-Bowery, 131 E. 10th Street, 2nd Floor, New York City. Classes will be offered Monday through Saturday. Cost ranges from $1,075 to $3,940 per year, depending on the age and level of the student. An annual recital on June 11, 2016 will conclude the 2015-16 training program.

Qualified children will perform with New York Theatre Ballet throughout the year in special roles created for student dancers. The studio trains in the Cecchetti method, a technique founded by Italian ballet master Enrico Cecchetti. The school teaches dance as a total art form, developing strong technical skill and discipline. Following the Cecchetti syllabus, classes emphasize music, theatricality, gesture and style. Well-trained Cecchetti dancers have purity of line and simplicity of style, which enables them to take their place in dance companies throughout the world. For the advanced students, a once-a-week workshop is part of the curriculum. Offerings, including jazz, theater dance, modern dance, partnering, change every six weeks.

"There is always a teaching assistant in every class and we teach to the individual child," said Diana Byer, Founder and Artistic Director of NYTB. "Every child gets personal attention in each class."

The Company's 2015/2016 season will include repertory performances at the Schimmel Center Pace University (September 19-20, 2015), Danspace (October 1-3, 2015), and New York Live Arts (February 24-27, 2016). NYTB maintains its association with the New York Pops at Carnegie Hall (December 20, 2015), and the Company's Once Upon A Ballet series for children will continue at Florence Gould Hall throughout the year. NYTB will also continue to offer its Free Ticket Program for families who are unable to afford to attend performances.

For registration and more information, visit www.nytb.org/ballet-school-ny.

NEW YORK THEATRE BALLET Announces 2015-16 Season

New York Theatre Ballet announces the 2015-16 season, which will include repertory performances at Schimmel Center at Pace University (September 19-20, 2015), Danspace Project (October 1-3, 2015), and New York Live Arts (February 24-27, 2016). NYTB maintains its association with the New York Pops at Carnegie Hall, and the Company's Once Upon A Ballet series for children will continue at Florence Gould Hall throughout the year. NYTB will also continue to offer its Free Ticket Program for families who are unable to afford to attend performances.

New York Theatre Ballet's 2015-16 Season includes:

· September 19-20, 2015 - Schimmel Center at Pace University

· October 1-3, 2015 - Danspace Project

· December 6, 2015 - Keith Michael's The Nutcracker at Tarrytown Music Hall

· December 11-13, 2015 - Keith Michael's The Nutcracker at Florence Gould Hall

· December 19, 2015 - Keith Michael's The Nutcracker at The Colonial Theater

· December 20, 2015 - A Charlie Brown Christmas with The New York Pops at Carnegie Hall

· February 24-27, 2016 - Glass Project at New York Live Arts

· April 10-11, 2016 - Cinderella at The Egg Center for the Performing Arts, Albany, NY

· April 17, 20156 - Cinderella at Florence Gould Hall

· April 28-29, 2016 - Legends & Visionaries at Keihin Auditorium, Tarboro, North Carolina

· May 1, 2016 - The Alice-in-Wonderland Follies at 92Y

New York Theatre Ballet at Schimmel Center at Pace University

September 19 and 20 at 7:30 (Legends & Visionaries) and September 20 at 3pm (Cinderella)

Tickets: $29 for the evening shows; $20 for Adults and $10 for Students for Cinderella

Box office: 212-346-1715; Ovation Tix 866-811-4111; www.schimmel.pace.edu

New York Theatre Ballet brings fresh insight into classic revivals paired with the modern sensibilities of both established and up-and-coming choreographers. Featured choreographers include Merce Cunningham, Nicolo Fonte, Agnes deMille,and Pam Tanowitz. Cinderella, a perennial favorite of NYTB audiences, features a dancing clock, two wacky stepsisters, and everyone's favorite rags to riches princess. This enchanting story, with choreography by Donald Mahler, set design by Gillian Bradshaw-Smith, and costumes by Resident Costume Designer of the Metropolitan Opera, Sylvia Taalson Nolan, will delight the whole family.

New York Theatre Ballet at Danspace Project; Legends & Visionaries

October 1-3, 2015

Tickets: $20, $15 for Danspace Members

Box office: 866-811-4111; www.danspaceproject.org

New York Theatre Ballet performs a mixed bill at Danspace Project featuring Two Timing, Cross Currents, and Lois Bewley's PiR2.Based on Steve Reich's Clapping Music, Two Timing is choreographed by David Parker with costume designs by Pei-Chi Su and lighting design by Serena Wong. Merce Cunningham's Cross Currents is set to music by Conlon Nancarrow with lighting design by Beverly Emmons. These performances are presented through Community ACCESS, which provides subsidized off-season rental opportunities for Danspace Project community members.

New York Theatre Ballet performs Keith Michael's The Nutcracker at Tarrytown Music Hall

December 6, 2015 at 2pm and 5pm

Box office: 877-840-0457; www.tarrytownmusichall.org

New York Theatre Ballet performs Keith Michael's The Nutcrackerat Florence Gould Hall

December 11 at 12pm, December 12 & 13 at 11am, 1pm, & 3:30pm

Tickets: $35 via www.ticketmaster.com; Group Sales: 212-679-0401 or email groups@nytb.org

New York Theatre Ballet (NYTB) returns with Keith Michael's The Nutcracker, an enchanting holiday ballet. From clockwork imps to a luminous owl that flies above the audience, mice dressed in polka dots and dancers dancing with huge chopsticks, this timeless, re-imagined classic bursts with energy and excitement. This holiday ballet, danced to Tchaikovsky's beloved score, is set in Art Nouveau style circa 1907 with innovative choreography by long-time NYTB choreographer, Keith Michael; set design by Gillian Bradshaw-Smith; and costumes by Resident Costume Designer of the Metropolitan Opera, Sylvia Nolan.  Ages 3-9. 

New York Theatre Ballet performs Keith Michael's The Nutcracker at The Colonial Theater

December 19 at 2pm and 5pm

Box office: 603-352-2033; www.thecolonial.org 

New York Theatre Ballet performs with The New York Pops in A Charlie Brown Christmas at Carnegie Hall

December 20, 2015 at 3pm

Tickets: $10, $18, and $25

Box office: 212-247-7800; www.carnegiehall.org

New York Theatre Ballet joins Steven Reineke, The New York Pops and John Bolton bringing holiday spirit to Manhattan with classic tunes from Charles M. Schulz's hit franchise.  

New York Theatre Ballet at New York Live Arts; Legends & Visionaries

February 24-27, 2016 at 7:30pm, February 27, 2016 at 2:30pm

Tickets: $30, $15 students/seniors

Box office: 212-924-0077; www.newyorklivearts.org

New York Theatre Ballet returns to New York Live Arts with its highly acclaimed Legends & Visionaries series. The program includes a world premiere choreographed by San Francisco choreographer Milissa Bradley and former New York City Ballet dancer Antonia Franceschi to live accompaniment of Piano Etudes by Philip Glass. NYTB will also present a revival of Jerome Robbins' Antique Epigraphs, which had its premiere on February 2, 1984 at the New York State Theater. The performance will feature original lighting design by Jennifer Tipton, and original costume design by Florence Kotz. The return of Richard Alston's Such Longing, with music by Frederic Chopin, will conclude the evening.

New York Theatre Ballet at The Egg Center for the Performing Arts, Albany, NY; Cinderella

April 10, 2016 at 3pm; April 11 at 10:15am (school performance)

Box office: 518-473-1845; www.theegg.org 

New York Theatre Ballet at Florence Gould Hall

April 17, 2016 at 11am, 1pm, 3:30pm

New York Theatre Ballet at Keihin Auditorium, Tarboro, North Carolina; Legends & Visionaries

April 28-29, 2016

Box office: 252-823-5166, ext. 187; www.edgecombe.edu

New York Theatre Ballet at 92Y; The Alice-in-Wonderland Follies

May 1, 2016 at 3pm

Tickets: $35 adults, $25 children

Box office: 212-415-5500; www.92y.org

New York Theatre Ballet brings The Alice-in-Wonderland Follies with choreography by Keith Michael to 92Y! Follow Alice's adventures through Wonderland as she meets some of the most beloved characters in children's literature.

Manhattan Youth Ballet Announces Fall Auditions - September 9, 2015

Manhattan Youth Ballet will hold Fall Auditions on Wednesday, September 9, 2015.

  • Audition class schedule is Ages 7-9: 4:00-4:45pm, Ages 10-12: 4:45-6:00pm, and Ages 13 & up: 6:00-7:30pm.
  • Dancers should arrive 30 minutes prior to their audition class. 
  • Registration opens at 3:15pm.
  • Audition fees are $30 pre-registration and $35 on day of registration.
  • Pre registration forms are available at www.manhattanyouthballet.org.
  • Dancers must bring a headshot and first arabesque photo.

For more information, visit www.manhattanyouthballet.org.

New York Theatre Ballet performs Legends & Visionaries 2015 at Danspace Project

New York Theatre Ballet will perform Legends & Visionaries 2015 from June 18-20, 2015 at Danspace Project, 131 E. 10th Street, NYC.

Performances: Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 8:00pm.

Tickets are $20 ($15 for Danspace members), and are available online at www.danspaceproject.org or by calling OvationTix/TheaterMania at 866.811.4111.

New York Theatre Ballet will perform Richard Alston's Such Longing, Frederick Ashton's Capriol Suite, the World Premiere of Gemma Bond's Cat's Cradle, a new, as-yet-untitled work by David Parker, and Antony Tudor's Dark Elegies.

Richard Alston's Such Longing is danced to the music of Chopin, not pretty waltzes or the great virtuoso fireworks but achingly beautiful meditations from his Nocturnes and Etudes. Filled with longing for Chopin's Polish homeland, this lush and lyrical music floods through tender duets and introspective solos for two couples. Frederick Ashton's Capriol Suite will be performed by the full company.

"Capriol Suite, Ashton's earliest ballet, was choreographed in 1930 for Rambert's students, before she had a company. The music, by Peter Warlock, is based on themes from the 16th Century treatise Orchesographie, by Thoint Arbeau. As well as the music, the book contains descriptions of such dances as the Pavane and the Galliard. Ashton did not follow these, but made some use of the illustrations and other pictorial sources. The ballet is an imaginative recreation of old dances rather than an authentic reconstruction. Originally danced by four couples, the ballet was danced by the Sadler's Wells Theatre Ballet in 1948. It is the version that is the basis of a later revival staged by Elisabeth Schooling and Sally Gilmour, former members of the Ballet Rambert," said David Vaughan.

Elena Zahlmann will perform a solo by David Parker and Dark Elegies will feature Rie Ogura, Elena Zahlmann, Carmella Lauer, Choong Hoon Lee and Stephen Campanella. 

"New York Theatre Ballet's move downtown is both a symbol of rebirth and renewal," said Diana Byer, artistic director of New York Theatre Ballet. "With three different programs in three different venues, Legends & Visionaries 2015 is a revolutionary season."

New York Theatre Ballet will celebrate their first season in their new home, and honor longtime friends Richard Alston and Valda Setterfield at a Garden Party on opening night, Thursday, June 18, 2015 at 6pm at St. Mark's Church-in-the-Bowery, 131 E. 10th Street, New York City. The evening concludes with a performance at 8pm of NYTB's Legends & Visionaries 2015 at Danspace Project, 131 E. 10th Street, NYC.

Tickets are $200 ($100 for children), and include both the party and the performance. Please contact admin@nytb.org to purchase.

These performances are part of DANCE:Access, a self-production series administered by Danspace Project that serves independent choreographers and dance companies.

BALLET HISPANICO selected Mexican-American Choreographer MICHELLE MANZANALES for Instituto Coreográfico

Ballet Hispanico, recognized as the nation's leading Latino dance organization since 1970, presented the latest installment of its choreographic institute, Instituto Coreográfíco,with a showing held on Thursday, May 28, 2015 at the company's headquarters at 167 W. 89th Street, NYC. This year's Instituto Coreográfico featured Mexican-American choreographer and Ballet Hispanico Rehearsal Director Michelle Manzanales, who was paired with filmmaker Fernando Venegas Traba and photographer Madeline Campisano. The 2015 installment of the Instituto program was made possible through support from the Ford Foundation, the Rockefeller Brothers Fund and the Mertz Gilmore Foundation.

The groundbreaking Instituto Coreográfico provides emerging Latino choreographers, dance filmmakers, and now dance photographers with a professional and supportive environment in which to explore their heritage and develop their craft. Choreographers receive ongoing feedback from a group of notable artistic mentors and advisors, daily archive DVD recordings of the rehearsals, an edited film of the resulting work, an academic advisor, and a showing of their work.  Should an artistically appropriate work emerge from this process, it could enter Ballet Hispanico's permanent repertory. Filmmakers will be paired with a choreographer and will be mentored by filmmaker Nel Shelby.

For more information, visit: www.ballethispanico.org.

The School of American Ballet announces Workshop Performance Benefit 2015

At the Peter Jay Sharp Theater at Lincoln Center on Tuesday, June 2, 2015

***

The School of American Ballet has announced the Workshop Performance Benefit 2015 on Tuesday, June 2, 2015. The evening begins with cocktails at 5:30pm in Juilliard's Morse Hall, followed by the performance at 7pm in the Peter Jay Sharp Theater at Lincoln Center. A seated dinner at 9pm at the Mandarin Oriental will conclude the evening.

The Workshop Performance Benefit 2015 is The School of American Ballet's most anticipated event of the year. The annual Workshop Performances are SAB's only public performances and a rare opportunity to get a sneak preview of the ballet world's up and coming young stars. A Benefit Dinner follows the Tuesday evening performance at Lincoln Center, and attracts more than 550 arts patrons, corporate VIPs and New York's social elite. 

This year's event is headed by Chairmen Michele Barakett, Linda Daines, Hillary Lane Hochberg, Nell Kleinschmidt, and Max R. Shulman; and Young Patron Chairman Stephanie Linka.

This year's benefit will celebrate the legendary Rudolf Nureyev and commemorate the 20th Anniversary of the Rudolf Nureyev Dance Scholarship. At the peak of his career, Mr. Nureyev spent many hours in the classroom, polishing his technique alongside SAB's students in Stanley Williams's acclaimed advanced men's class. In 1995, the Rudolf Nureyev Dance Foundation generously presented the School with funding for an annual scholarship to support promising students in honor of Mr. Nureyev's affinity for SAB and Mr. Williams's teaching.

In 1964, Alexandra Danilova, George Balanchine's former classmate at the Imperial Ballet and a leading ballerina of Diaghilev's Ballets Russes and the Ballet Russe de Monte Carlo joined SAB's faculty. In 1965, Madame Danilova established SAB's annual year-end Workshop Performances, giving the School's advanced students an opportunity to participate in professionally staged, publicly performed productions of classic ballet works. Since its inception, the Workshop Performances have seen hundreds of SAB's advanced students make their public debut as they prepare to leave SAB and go on to dance on the world's top stages. The New York Times coined Workshop a "spot-them-before-they-are-stars showcase". Scores of notable SAB alumni have performed at Workshop, including Merrill Ashley, Peter Boal, Maria Kowroski, Lourdes Lopez, Sara Mearns, Benjamin Millepied, Ethan Stiefel, and Wendy Whelan.

The post-performance dinner has evolved through the years, from an intimate gathering hosted by SAB co-founder Lincoln Kirstein at his Gramercy Park townhouse into a festive fundraiser held in the SAB studios. The continued success of the Workshop Performance Benefit has led to the use of another wonderful New York venue.The post-performance dinner will take place in the magnificentballroom at the Mandarin Oriental with the City's iconic skyline as a backdrop.

The 2015 Workshop Performances program will include 19th & 20th Century Masters (Petipa, Bournonville, Balanchine & Robbins); Harlequinade ("Ballabile des Enfants"), Choreography by George Balanchine, Music by Riccardo Drigo; William Tell (pas de deux), Choreography by August Bournonville, Music by Gioachino Rossini; The Sleeping Beauty (pas de deux), Choreography by Peter Martins (after Marius Petipa), Music by Peter Ilyitch Tschaikovsky; Valse-Fantaisie, Choreography by George Balanchine, Music by Mikhail Glinka; Stars and Stripes (3rd Regiment "Thunder and Gladiator"), Choreography by George Balanchine, Music by John Philip Sousa, arranged by Hershy Kay; and Fanfare, Choreography by Jerome Robbins, Music by Benjamin Britten.

Tickets for the 2015 Workshop Performance Benefit may be purchased online at sab.org/workshopbenefit and tickets for the Saturday, May 30 performances at sab.org/workshop. The Peter Jay Sharp Theater is located at 155 W. 65th Street (between Amsterdam and Broadway). The Mandarin Oriental is located at 80 Columbus Circle at 60th Street, NYC.

For more information, please visit:

www.sab.org/workshopbenefit.

Magic of Ballet: with Spring performance from Ballet Academy East

John Jay College of Criminal Justice of The City University of New York, an international leader in educating for justice, offers a rich liberal arts and professional studies curriculum to upwards of 15 000 undergraduate and graduate students from more than 135 nations. The Theater is dedicated to the creation and presentation of performing arts programming of all disciplines with a special focus on how the artistic imagination can shed light on the many perceptions of Justice in our society.

Ballet Academy East presents its Spring Performance from May 15-17, 2015 at the Gerald W. Lynch Theater at John Jay College of Criminal Justice at 524 W. 59th Street, NYC which the myNewYorkeye team had pleasure to attend on May 17th, 2015.

The exciting parents, guests of lovely kids, all gathered in a nice hall to enjoy the event. Kids were very happy, but a little bit nervous while running and getting ready for the big moment which finally started like this:

"All the lights turned completely off and shortly they switched on focusing only on stage which reflected the magical blue and pink tones and beautiful kids standing there. Music and all the moves of dances were so light that one could feel the spring all over. During the first few performances, there were number of very young dancers and I got to know from Julia Dubno - Founder and Director, that the youngest dancers are about 7 years old!

Then ocean started to move the crazy waves and dances were even crazier. As girl’s hair were not folded they felt like a part of storm and created spectacular waves of motion filling the hall with the spring craziness. Performances were mesmerising and very creative with a sweet modern touch. Also the costumes were pretty nice and perfectly matching with the atmosphere their dance created."

Many guests were holding flowers for performers that was such a nice view to see in NYC, as not for all events you get to see so many flowers. We feel very happy for the kids, their teachers and all the guests who had the opportunity to enjoy this wonderful event, including myNewYorkeye.

Manhattan Youth Ballet presents WITH REGARD and A Gala Benefit honoring Marina Stavitskaya

Manhattan Youth Ballet presents WITH REGARD... In Practice & Performance from May 29 - 30, 2015 and A Gala Benefit honoring Marina Stavitskaya on Sunday, May 31, 2015 at Manhattan Movement & Arts Center. A Gala Benefit honoring Marina Stavitskaya will begin with a cocktail hour at 5pm, followed by the gala performance at 6pm curtain. There will also be a post-performance catered reception and silent auction.

In Practice & Performance will feature world premieres by Brian Reeder, Marina Stavitskaya, Daniel Ulbricht, Frederick Earl Mosley and Natalia Boesch as well as George Balanchine's Valse Fantaisie. Performance times are Friday, May 29 at 7pm and Saturday, May 30 at 3pm and 7pm. Tickets are $25 for adults and $15 for students.   

A Gala Benefit honoring Marina Stavitskayawill feature special performances by GUEST ARTISTS and alumni from American Ballet Theatre and New York City Ballet as well as WORLD PREMIERES by Brian Reeder, Marina Stavitskaya, Daniel Ulbricht, Frederick Earl Mosley and Natalia Boesch, and George Balanchine's Valse Fantaisie. Gala tickets are $100 for adults and $50 for students. All proceeds will benefit the Manhattan Youth Ballet Scholarship Fund.

Tickets Information: For In Practice & Performanceand A Gala Benefit honoring Marina Stavitskayacan be purchased at manhattanyouthballet.org beginning on Friday, May 8, or by calling 212-787-1178.

BALLET ACADEMY EAST Spring Performance May 15-17, 2015

Ballet Academy East will present its Spring Performance from May 15-17, 2015 at the Gerald W. Lynch Theater at the John Jay College of Criminal Justice at 524 W. 59th Street, NYC.

Performances:

  • Friday, May 15 at 7:00pm,
  • Saturday May 16 at 2:00pm and 7:00pm, and
  • Sunday May 17 at 2:00pm.

The Saturday May 16, 2:00pm performance will be a special family matinee, which will feature craft activities in the lobby during intermission, (recommended for ages 6 and up).

The performance will feature the Pre-Professional Division, levels 2-9, in ballets choreographed by Jenna Lavin, Matthew Neenan, Margo Sappington and Rex Wheeler.

For more information, visit: www.baenyc.com.

www.jjay.cuny.edu/theater

BALLET HISPANICO ANNOUNCES TWO-WEEK NEW YORK SEASON AT THE JOYCE THEATER

Spring means many things in the city. It’s a signal to enjoy the fruits and the bounty that the creative community brings, year after year, to New York.

The spring season of BALLET HISPANICO (April 14-26, 2015) is no exception!

Artistic director, Eduardo Vilaro of Ballet Hispanico keeps true to his roots while mixing it with an eclectic, sleek, modern style that has always been favored by audience and critics alike with The New York Times calling the dynamic company “...the best contemporary repertory ensembles" (The New York Times).

This year, some of the highlights of the Joyce season include the world premiere by Mexico-based choreographer Miguel Mancillas and the dazzling New York premiere of Show.Girl. by Miami-based, Princess Grace Award-winning choreographer Rosie Herrera.

Other gems include the Joyce Premiere of Gustavo Ramírez Sansano's CARMEN.maquia, a contemporary spin on the iconic story about a passionate gypsy with set design by Luis Crespo and costumes by fashion designer David Delfin; Sombrerísimo, choreographed by Annabelle Lopez Ochoa and commissioned by New York City Center for the 10th anniversary of the Fall for Dance Festival; and El Beso, choreographed by Gustavo Ramírez Sansano, with original costumes by Venezuelan fashion designer Angel Sanchez.

Keeping up with the times, this will be the first New York season where Ballet Hispanico will also offer a 90-minute matinee on Saturday, April 18 that is specially curated for children and families. 

Ballet Hispanico's fun, interactive and educational Performances for Young People is now celebrating 30 years-give families a glimpse into the beauty of the arts and Latino culture.

This dynamic program will feature excerpts from Ballet Hispanico's diverse repertory and a Q&A with the dancers. This event will be hosted by Artistic Director Eduardo Vilaro and Education Director AnaMaria Correa.

"Our New York Season truly offers something for everyone," said Eduardo Vilaro, Artistic Director of Ballet Hispanico. "The works this season highlight the full breadth of the company's powerful ability to interpret the many shades of the Latino cultural experience. From raw human expression to stylized theatrical seduction, each work is a chapter in the past, present and future of our American experience. And, I am particularly excited to offer our beloved and signature Performances for Young People to family audiences through a special Saturday matinee."

Ballet Hispanico's New York Season at The Joyce Theater - April 14-26, 2015

World Premiere of Conquer by Miguel Mancillas 

New York Premiere of Show.Girl by Rosie Herrera 

Joyce Premiere of Evening-Length CARMEN.maquia

Special Matinee for Children and Families on Saturday, April 18 .

BALLET HISPANICO 2015 Spring Gala "Noche Cubana" Honors Cuban Civic Leaders

Bring out your Sunday best, it’s time to go to the The Plaza Hotel on Monday, March 30, 2015 at 6:30pm to Honor Milena Alberti-Pérez & David Pérez with the Civic Inspiration Award and Ben Rodriguez-Cubeñas with the Nuestra Inspiración Award at its annual Spring Gala in The Plaza Hotel's Grand Ballroom with Ballet Hispanico.

The Plaza Hotel's Grand Ballroom, so swanky on (768) Fifth Avenue will be serving cocktails at 6:30pm and dinner and dancing commence at 7:30pm. Attire is festive black tie.

Ballet Hispanico's 2015 Spring Gala will salute three extraordinary individuals who have given voice to their Latino culture and the importance of Ballet Hispanico's work through the corporations they serve. Ballet Hispanico Board President and President and COO of Palladium Equity Partners David Pérez and Milena Alberti-Pérez, SVP and Head of Global Corporate Finance at Penguin Random House, will receive the Civic Inspiration Award for their thirteen years of leadership and dedication to Ballet Hispanico. Chair of Ballet Hispanico's Leadership Council Ben Rodriguez-Cubeñas will receive the Nuestra Inspiración Award for his unwavering advocacy for New York City's arts community and for his efforts as program director for the Rockefeller Brothers Fund. This year's Gala also celebrates "Puentes," Ballet Hispanico's education programs, and features live salsa music by Grupo Irék along with performances by the Ballet Hispanico Company and students of the Ballet Hispanico School of Dance and P.S. 87M.

"We are thrilled to recognize our visionary honorees," said Kate Lear, Chair of Ballet Hispanico's Board of Directors. "We celebrate the inspired leadership of David Pérez and Milena Alberti-Pérez, whose enthusiasm for and belief in Ballet Hispanico's mission has been a driving force behind the organization over many years.  We are equally elated to honor the exceptional efforts of Ben Rodriguez Cubeñas, who is a great friend and extraordinary advocate on behalf of Ballet Hispanico."

The event is headed by Event Chairs Jody & John Arnhold, Kate Lear & Jon LaPook, Marcos A. Rodriguez, and Greidys Gil & Luis Zaldivar, along with Event Vice Chairs Herb Scannell and Charles Wortman & Laura Baldwin. The Gala Honorary Committee is chaired by Ford Foundation President Darren Walker. Proceeds, which last year totalled just over $1M, benefit the creation of new Company works, need-based financial aid and merit scholarships in the Ballet Hispanico School of Dance, and community arts education programs. 

Since its inception in 1970, Ballet Hispanico has been recognized as the nation's premier Latino dance organization. Led by award-winning Artistic Director Eduardo Vilaro, the Ballet Hispanico Company has performed for audiences totalling over 3 million, throughout 11 countries, and on 3 continents. The Company's commitment to contemporary repertory has produced world-class, multifaceted performances that have featured master works by Nacho Duato, cutting-edge premiers by Cayetano Soto and Annabelle Lopez Ochoa, and live music collaborations with renowned artists such as Paquito D'Rivera and Ruben Blades-to name a notable few. Through the work of its professional company, school of dance, and community arts education programs, Ballet Hispanico celebrates the dynamic aesthetics of the Hispanic diaspora, building new avenues of cultural dialogue and sharing the joy of dance with all communities. For more information, visit www.ballethispanico.org.

DANCE WITH BALLET HISPANICO

What’s not to love about dance?  Nothing that’s what—nothing and with a special matinee for Children and Families that’s a big “go” sign to plan a New York family day!

This year, Ballet Hispanico, recognized as the nation's leading Latino dance organization since 1970, returns to the Joyce Theater from April 14-26, 2015 with 15 performances featuring five dynamic programs. The tickets are reasonable starting at $10 with the World Premiere of Conquer by Miguel Mancillas; a New York Premiere of Show.Girl by Rosie Herrera, Joyce Premiere of Evening-Length CARMEN.maquia and a Special Matinee for Children and Families on Saturday, April 18.

Under the brilliant eye of Artistic Director Eduardo Vilaro, Ballet Hispanico has melded its Latino roots with an eclectic, sleekly modern style that has made it "one of the best contemporary repertory ensembles" (The New York Times).

Highlights of this year's Joyce season include a raw and athletic world premiere by Mexico-based choreographer Miguel Mancillas and the dazzling New York premiere of Show.Girl. by Miami-based, Princess Grace Award-winning choreographer Rosie Herrera. Other highlights include the Joyce Premiere of Gustavo Ramírez Sansano's CARMEN.maquia, a contemporary spin on the iconic story about a passionate gypsy with set design by Luis Crespo and costumes by fashion designer David Delfin; Sombrerísimo, choreographed by Annabelle Lopez Ochoa and commissioned by New York City Center for the 10th anniversary of the Fall for Dance Festival; and El Beso, choreographed by Gustavo Ramírez Sansano, with original costumes by Venezuelan fashion designer Angel Sanchez. 

For the first time during its New York Season, Ballet Hispanico will also offer a 90-minute matinee on Saturday, April 18 that is specially curated for children and families featuring excerpts from Ballet Hispanico's diverse repertory and a Q&A with the dancers.

Hosted by Artistic Director Eduardo Vilaro and Education Director AnaMaria Correa, Ballet Hispanico's fun, interactive and educational Performances for Young People-now celebrating 30 years-give families a glimpse into the beauty of the arts and Latino culture.   

"Our New York Season truly offers something for everyone," said Eduardo Vilaro, Artistic Director of Ballet Hispanico. "The works this season highlight the full breadth of the company's powerful ability to interpret the many shades of the Latino cultural experience. From raw human expression to stylized theatrical seduction, each work is a chapter in the past, present and future of our American experience. And, I am particularly excited to offer our beloved and signature Performances for Young People to family audiences through a special Saturday matinee."

Ballet Hispanico's New York Season at The Joyce Theater - April 14-26, 2015

Conquer (2015) - World Premiere

Choreography by Miguel Mancillas

A raw and athletic world premiere by Mexico-based choreographer Miguel Mancillas that explores, through notions of power and possession, the ways in which we seek to conquer spaces and people. Mr. Mancillas's work came to fruition through Ballet Hispanico's Instituto Coreográfico, an innovative choreography lab program for Latino dance makers.

Show.Girl. (2014) - New York Premiere

Choreography by Rosie Herrera 

A dazzling New York premiere by Miami-based, award-winning choreographer Rosie Herrera, Show.Girl. uses the Cuban cabaret aesthetic to explore the Latina female identity. Ms. Herrera's work was commissioned in part by American Dance Festival and came to fruition through Ballet Hispanico's Instituto Coreográfico, an innovative choreography lab program for Latino dance makers.

CARMEN.maquia (2014) - Joyce Premiere

Choreography by Gustavo Ramírez Sansano

Hailed as a "masterpiece" by the Chicago Sun-Times, CARMEN.maquia is a Picasso-inspired contemporary take on Bizet's beloved classic. The physically charged and sensual choreography fuses contemporary dance with nods to the Spanish paso doble and flamenco. A stunning set design by Luis Crespo and minimalist black-and-white costumes by fashion designer David Delfin evoke the paintings of Pablo Picasso. Highly original and full of elaborate partnering, CARMEN.maquia is a bold and electrifying reimagining of this tragic tale. 

Sombrerísimo (2013) 

Choreography by Annabelle Lopez Ochoa

An absorbing exploration of identity, Sombrerísimo references the surrealist world of the Belgian painter René Magritte, famous for his paintings of men in bowler hats. This athletic work for six male dancers was commissioned by New York City Center for the 10th anniversary of the Fall for Dance Festival. 

El Beso (2014)

Choreography by Gustavo Ramírez Sansano

Spaniard Gustavo Ramírez Sansano's first work for Ballet Hispanico is a spirited look at the nuances of a kiss set to Spanish Zarzuela music and featuring original costumes by Venezuelan fashion designer Angel Sanchez. 

Asuka (2011) 

Choreography by Eduardo Vilaro Asuka is a celebration of the music of Celia Cruz through the lens of the Latino experience. Cruz, renowned as the "Queen of Salsa," captured the heart of Latinos the world over and became a symbol of perseverance for many. Through rich imagery and humor, Eduardo Vilaro explores the struggles of departure from one's homeland and the exuberance of success experienced by a community. 

Good Night Paradise (1994)

Choreography by Ramón Oller Catalan lyrics, haunting tableaus, and relationships that stem from the dark side of the heart shape this powerful and highly physical piece of dance theater by Catalan modernist Oller. 

PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE 

Program A:  Show.Girl., Conquer,El Beso 

Tue 4/14, Wed 4/15 at 7:30pm; Thu 4/16, Fri 4/17, Sat 4/18 at 8pm, Sun 4/19 at 7:30pm 

Program B:  CARMEN.maquia 

Tue 4/21, Wed 4/22 at 7:30pm; Thu 4/23, Fri 4/24, Sat 4/25 at 8pm 

Program C:  Conquer, Sombrerísimo, El Beso 

Sun 4/19 at 2pm; Sat 4/25 at 2pm 

Program D:  Show.Girl., Good Night Paradise, Sombrerísimo, Asuka 

Sun 4/26 at 2pm*

*Specially programmed to celebrate retiring Ballet Hispanico dancer Jessica Alejandra Wyatt 

SATURDAY EN FAMILIA Program: 

Sat 4/18 at 2pm 

Excerpts from Asuka, CARMEN.maquia, Sombrerísimo, El Beso

Bring the whole family to a 90-minute, fun-filled journey through Latin American dance and culture featuring excerpts from Ballet Hispanico's diverse repertory and a Q&A with the dancers. Hosted by Ballet Hispanico Artistic Director Eduardo Vilaro and Education Director AnaMaria Correa, our fun, interactive and educational Performances for Young People-now in their 30th year-give families a glimpse into the beauty of the arts and Latino culture. All tickets $25.