New York-based Ballet Hispánico is the largest Latino cultural organization in the United States. Through innovative dance productions, transformative dance training, and community engagement, the company explores and celebrates Latino cultures. Thursday, Sept. 28 at UGA’s Fine Arts Theatre, they’ll make their UGA Presents debut during Hispanic Heritage Month with a mixed program of selections from their long and vibrant history.

Recognized for her achievements by the National Medal of Arts, the nation’s highest cultural honor, Tina Ramirez founded Ballet Hispánico in 1970. From its grassroots origins as a dance school and community-based performing arts troupe, the organization has grown into a world-class institution. Ballet Hispánico’s New York City headquarters houses a School of Dance and state-of-the-art dance studios for its programs and the arts community.

In August 2009, Ballet Hispánico welcomed Eduardo Vilaro as its Artistic Director. A former member of the Ballet Hispánico Company, Vilaro founded and led Chicago’s Luna Negra Dance Theater for a decade. Vilaro’s background in dance education and community outreach allows him to build on the company’s founding values and lead Ballet Hispánico into an artistically vibrant future.

The company’s varied Athens program includes Linea Recta — Straight Line — a ballet by Annabelle Lopez Ochoa. She takes the powerful, fiercely independent spirit of flamenco and blends it with traditional ensemble and partner dancing. When the piece premiered at New York’s Apollo Theater in 2016, the New York Times called it “fluent, expert and elegant.”

After Ballet Hispánico there’s more dance on the UGA Presents season. A Celtic Family Christmas with Nathalie MacMaster and Donnell Leahy at Hodgson Concert Hall Dec. 6 will include children step dancing. And the Dance Theatre of Harlem comes to the Fine Arts Theatre January 27.

PROGRAM

New Sleep (Duet), William Forsythe, 1987
Línea Recta, Annabelle Lopez Ochoa, 2016
Sor Juana, Michelle Manzanales, 2023
Club Havana, Pedro Ruiz, 2000 

PERFORMANCE TALK

Join us for a free pre-performance talk by Eduardo Vilaro in Fine Arts room 201 from 6:45-7:15 pm.

SUPPORTED BY

Laura W. Carter

THREE WAYS TO ORDER TICKETS

1. Purchase tickets online 24/7 online here.
2. Call the Performing Arts Center Box Office at (706) 542-4400, Mon.-Fri., 10:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.
3. Visit the UGA Performing Arts Center Box Office, Mon.-Fri., 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (5 minute parking is available in the drop off circle at the Performing Arts Center for purchasing or picking up tickets.)

 

SHUTTLE BUS

For this event, we are offering a shuttle bus service to the Fine Arts Theatre from the Performing Arts Center. The shuttle bus is a complimentary service for anyone with limited mobility who may have difficulty walking from the Hull Street or Tate Center parking decks to the Fine Arts Theatre and/or those who wish to avoid being out on the sidewalks after dark.

The shuttle bus is a free service for any ticket holder. Seating is based on availability, and advance reservations are required. To secure a spot, please contact the Performing Arts Center Box Office at (706) 542-4400. Additional information about the shuttle bus can be found on our website.

The shuttle bus will make two departures from the drop off zone near the lobby entrance of the Performing Arts Center. The first shuttle bus will depart at 6:45 p.m. A second trip will depart as soon as the bus returns to the Performing Arts Center (approximately 7:15 p.m., depending on traffic conditions at the time).

The shuttle bus will stop on Baldwin Street directly across from the front entrance of the Fine Arts Building. Following the performance, the shuttle bus will depart the Fine Arts Building from the same location and return directly to the Performing Arts Center.

Companions will be allowed to ride the shuttle bus, but due to the limited capacity, priority will be given to those who require it.

Photo: Paula Lobo