Ballet Hispanico to Perform at 24th Annual International Ballet Festival of Havana, 11/1-2

Ballet Hispanico, recognized as America's leading Latino dance organization since 1970, will perform in Cuba's International Ballet Festival of Havana on November 1-2, 2014 at 5pm. Highlights of the program include Asuka, a celebration of the music of Celia Cruz by Ballet Hispanico's Cuban-American Artistic Director Eduardo Vilaro, along with Sortijas (Cayetano Soto), Sombrerísimo (Annabelle Lopez Ochoa), and El Beso (Gustavo Ramírez Sansano). This engagement marks Ballet Hispanico's first-ever performance in Cuba.

"This is my second time returning to my homeland since I left at age six," said Eduardo Vilaro, artistic director of Ballet Hispanico. "I return as a cultural ambassador, bringing our amazing troupe of dancers for Ballet Hispanico's first performance there. We are thrilled to share our art with the entire world, bringing new perspectives to our cultural dialogue."

"For Ballet Hispanico to be performing at this prestigious Latino dance festival is an honor and fits beautifully with our mission. It is a testament to the continued growth of the organization," said Kate Lear, chair of Ballet Hispanico's Board of Directors. "We are thrilled to share our stories and the artistry of our dancers with national and international audiences. Art has no boundaries; it travels past social and political borders."

Since its inception, Ballet Hispanico's contemporary repertory has reflected the ever-changing diversity of Latino culture, showcased masterfully by some of "the most technically accomplished and musical dancers you'll find in the contemporary sphere" (The Washington Post).

The program at the International Ballet Festival of Havana will include:

Asuka 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.

Sortijas by Cayetano Soto to the music of Lhasa de Sela

Cayetano Soto, one of the most dynamic and groundbreaking Spanish choreographers of his generation, is known for his musicality, attention to detailed technique, and expressive choreography. In Sortijas, a darkly lush duet full of emotional complexity, he ponders the unavoidable pull of fate in our lives. Costume design is by Munich-based fashion designers Talbot Runhof.

Sombrerísimo by Annabelle Lopez Ochoa

An absorbing exploration of identity, Sombrerísimo makes references to 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 Besoby Gustavo Ramírez Sansano

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

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