Ballet Hispanico to Host 'Carnaval' 2016 Gala in May

On Monday, May 16, 2016, Ballet Hispánico honors Richard E. Feldman with the Civic Inspiration Award and Linda Celeste Sims with the Nuestra Inspiración Award at its annual Gala in The Plaza Hotel's Grand Ballroom, 768 Fifth Avenue, NYC. Cocktails begin at 6:30pm and dinner and dancing commence at 7:30pm. Proceeds, which last year totaled just over $1.1M, benefit the creation of new Company works, need-based financial aid and merit scholarships in the Ballet Hispánico School of Dance, and community arts education programs.

"Carnaval," the inspiration for this year's gala, is a beloved Latino celebration of life through music and dance. The evening will feature performances by the Ballet Hispánico Company, the rising stars of second company BHdos and students of the Ballet Hispánico School of Dance, along with live music by Latin band Los Hacheros.

"Our 'Carnaval' is an exciting way to showcase the vibrant programs and vision of Ballet Hispánico's unparalleled mission," said Eduardo Vilaro, Artistic Director & CEO of Ballet Hispánico. "The evening will shine a spotlight on the dynamic growth of Ballet Hispánico throughout its 45-year legacy, and its future as the new expression of American contemporary dance."

Richard E. Feldman, President of the SHS Foundation, will receive the Civic Inspiration Award. Rosie Herrera, Miami-based artistic director of Rosie Herrera Dance Theater and an alumna of Ballet Hispánico's Instituto Coreográfico choreography lab, will present him with the award. Ballet Hispánico Company and School Alumna & Principal Dancer of Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater Linda Celeste Sims will receive the Nuestra Inspiración Award, presented by Ballet Hispánico Honorary Chairman Jody Gottfried Arnhold.

"Through Richard's personal commitment to the arts and his visionary work leading the SHS Foundation, he has made a lasting impression on the world of dance and facilitated the growth of dancers and choreographers here at Ballet Hispánico," said Kate Lear, Chair of Ballet Hispánico's Board of Directors. "Linda's significant accomplishments as an exquisite dancer and inspiration to young people exemplify the values we work to instill in youth across the nation. We are enormously proud to count on Richard and Linda as part of the Ballet Hispánico family, and are thrilled to honor them."

The event is headed by Gala Chairs Jody and John Arnhold, Kate Lear and Jon LaPook, and

David Pérez and Milena Alberti.

Benefactors: James F. McCoy and Alfio J. Hernandez, Martin and Perry Granoff, Charle S. Wortman and Laura Baldwin, Jessica Rodriguez, and Univision Communications Inc.

Benefit Committee: Ronald K. Brown, Brian and Shirley Colona, Ann Marie DeAngelo, The Fribourg Family, Lois Greenfield, Lourdes Lopez, Lar Lubovitch, Annabelle Lopez Ochoa, Arturo O'Farrill, Xiomara Reyes, Olivier Rustat, Septime Webre, William Whitener, Lisa & Mehmet Oz, Michelle & Stephen Dizard, Herb Scannell, Prince International Corporation and PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP.

Attire for the event is festive Black Tie. To purchase tickets, a table, a journal advertisement, or for more information, please contact Danielle Aversa at (212) 362-6710, x 44 or daversa@ballethispanico.org.

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