BWW Reviews: Ballet Hispanico Brings the Audience to Their Feet

Ballet Hispanico, committed to celebrating Latino culture through dance, performed a diverse repertory exhibiting three unique selections. Creative director Eduardo Vilaro succeeded admirably in capturing the spirit and vivacity of the Latino spirit. In melding contemporary and classical dance styles to create poetic story-telling pieces, Ballet Hispanico's performance brought the crowd to their feet.

The performance opened with Jardi Tancat, a Spanish ballet based on Catalonian folk tales that comprise the musical score. A group of six gracefully moved in harmony, their interactions and fluid movements telling a delicate and painful story of hope.

The company's second performance of Tango Vitrola, choreographed by Alejandro Cervera, was a modern and sensual piece in which females and males struggle highlighting their differences. Styled, costumed and composed to a classic feel, the men and women are seated on opposite sides. At times one group will engage in a dance to impress the other group, soloists sometimes crossing the male/female boundary to tango with their counterpart. Eventually they all partner up, and in their movement question traditional gender stereotypes, males and females leading equally. Overall it was a piece of superb beauty and strength.

The program concluded with Nube Blanco, an upbeat and highly modern piece that incorporates flamenco styles with contemporary movement. Choreographed by Annabelle Lopez Ochoa, she presents a unique attitude and vivacity through the character's struggle. Nube Blanco has a number of different facets, often using the performer's stomping, clapping, and speaking to create a soundtrack. Broken into many short-stories, Nube Blanco constantly changed from high energy to peaceful. In the end, one dancer stands apart, a 'white cloud' costumed in voluminous white ruffles gliding masterfully across the stage.

Ballet Hispanico was able to provide the audience with three distinct pieces that spoke to the beauty and spirit of the Latino culture. The show was captivating and took the audience on a journey through multiple stores told by dance. At the end of the performance, everyone had been moved by the grace, talent, and emotional connection displayed by the company.

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