Ballet Hispanico to Launch New Conversation Series DIALOGOS

Ballet Hispánico, the nation's preeminent Latino dance institution, today announced the launch of a new conversation series, Diálogos at the Arnhold Center, which will explore the connections between the arts, social justice, and Latino culture.

The inaugural event of the Diálogos series, Cuban Methodology: Dance, Race, Culture, will be held at Ballet Hispánico at the Arnhold Center, 167 W. 89th Street, NYC at 6:30pm. Admission is free, and advance reservations are requested at www.ballethispanico.org/dialogos.

The evening will explore the racial and cultural impact of the Cuban ballet methodology on its home country and throughout the world. Panelists will discuss the distinguishing characteristics of the Cuban methodology, nuances in how it's practiced within and outside of Cuba, and the opportunities it has created for artists in an art form that is commonly perceived to be homogeneous.

The live event will be moderated by Ballet Hispánico Artistic Director and CEO Eduardo Vilaro.

"We are proud to be creating a safe space in our headquarters for artists, thought leaders and audiences to come together in the exchange of diverse perspectives and ideas," said Eduardo Vilaro, Artistic Director and CEO of Ballet Hispánico. "Ballet Hispánico focuses on the techniques and styles that have made a difference for Latinos culturally, racially and socially. The Cuban ballet methodology has had such an impact worldwide, making it the right topic with which to launch this dialogue-opening series."

Panelists:

Ramona de Saá, Director of the Cuban National Ballet School
Caridad Martinez, Former principal ballerina of the Ballet Nacional de Cuba, faculty member of the Ballet Hispánico School of Dance
Ana Lourdes Novoa, Former principal ballerina of the Ballet Nacional de Cuba, faculty member of the Ballet Hispánico School of Dance
Ernesto Quenedit, Former principal dancer of the Ballet Nacional de Cuba
Pedro Ruiz, Choreographer and former Company dancer of Ballet Hispánico
Eduardo Vilaro (moderator), Artistic Director & CEO of Ballet Hispánico

Ballet Hispánico's home is an interdisciplinary cultural and community resource made possible by Honorary Chair Jody Gottfried Arnhold and the Arnhold family. Through panels, forums, exhibitions and other public programming, the Arnhold Center will further an awareness of Latino art forms as a tool for social and cultural acceptance and as a powerful agent for dialogue about race, equity and access.

Celebrating over four decades of sharing and reflecting the ever-changing diversity of Latino cultures, Ballet Hispánico is the new expression of American contemporary dance. Led by Artistic Director & CEO Eduardo Vilaro, the Company has produced world-class, multifaceted performances that have featured master works by Nacho Duato, cutting-edge premieres 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. Ballet Hispánico has performed for audiences totaling over 3 million, throughout 11 countries, and on 3 continents. Through the work of its professional company, school of dance, and community arts education programs, Ballet Hispánico 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.