Pauline Adamek
~~~
Ballet Hispánico Brings the Passion of Latino Culture to the Stage with CARMEN.maquia
For more than five decades, Ballet Hispánico has brought communities together through the power of dance, celebrating the vibrancy, beauty, and diversity of Latino cultures. Through innovative productions, transformative training programs, and meaningful community engagement, the organization continues to inspire audiences across the United States and around the world.
A Legacy of Culture, Creativity, and Excellence
Founded in 1970 by visionary dancer and educator Tina Ramirez, Ballet Hispánico was created to showcase and celebrate Latino culture through dance. What began as a bold artistic mission has grown into the nation’s leading Hispanic/Latine dance company and the largest cultural institution of its kind in the United States.
Over the years, the company has commissioned more than 100 original works, performed on many of the world’s most prestigious stages, and inspired generations through its performances, educational initiatives, and community programs. Recognized by the Ford Foundation as one of America’s Cultural Treasures, Ballet Hispánico continues to redefine what it means to be an American dance company—honoring cultural traditions while pushing the boundaries of contemporary performance.
At the helm is Artistic Director and CEO Eduardo Vilaro, a former Ballet Hispánico dancer and internationally respected choreographer. Since assuming leadership in 2009, Vilaro has ushered in a dynamic new era for the company—expanding its artistic vision, enriching its repertory, and elevating its distinctive movement language while remaining deeply rooted in the traditions that shaped its legacy.
Transformative Impact Through Dance
Ballet Hispánico’s influence extends far beyond the stage. Since its founding, the organization has connected with 2.3 million audience members, awarded $5.5 million in scholarships, trained 20,000 students, and served 750,000 New Yorkers through vibrant community programs.
In 2024 alone, Ballet Hispánico’s reach continued to grow, connecting with 24 million people globally through media and engagement and impacting 330,000 individuals across the United States and beyond. The company captivated audiences nationwide with 60 performances attended by 38,000 people, including 6,000 in New York City.
The School of Dance awarded $450,000 in scholarships, offered 118 weekly classes to more than 1,000 students, and achieved a 96 percent employment rate for its Professional Studies graduates. Through its Community Arts Partnerships, Ballet Hispánico delivered more than 200 educational programs, reaching 30,000 community members and providing 1,100 free tickets to New York City performances each year.
A Bold Reimagining of Bizet’s Carmen
Now Ballet Hispánico brings its signature artistry to a thrilling reinterpretation of Bizet’s famous tragic opera Carmen with CARMEN.maquia, choreographed by acclaimed Spanish artist Gustavo Ramírez Sansano.
Inspired by Bizet’s legendary opera about a passionate love triangle between a soldier, a bullfighter, and the fiercely independent Carmen, Sansano’s production offers a bold new perspective on the classic story. Drawing music from several works by composer Georges Bizet, the choreography blends familiar melodies—including the iconic bolero and habanera—with striking contemporary movement infused with unmistakable Spanish flair.
Sansano added “maquia” to the title to emphasize the intensity of a battle to the death. The word echoes the ritual and drama of bullfighting, known in Spanish as tauromaquia, underscoring the production’s themes of passion, power, and fate. The resulting work promises to be a visually stunning and emotionally charged dance experience that reimagines a timeless story for today’s audiences.
~~~
Ballet Hispánico New York presents CARMEN.maquia
Saturday, March 28, 2026
8:00 PM
At The Soraya — Younes and Soraya Nazarian Center for the Performing Arts (The Soraya)
18111 Nordhoff Street, Northridge, CA 91330.
Website
Phone: 818-677-3000
This powerful production promises an unforgettable evening of rhythm, drama, and world-class dance, bringing the spirit and artistry of Latino culture vividly to life on stage.
For all artist and ticket information visit their site here or call the Ticket Office at (818) 677-3000.
~~~
Eduardo Vilaro – Artistic Director & CEO
Eduardo Vilaro is the Artistic Director & CEO of Ballet Hispánico, leading the company with a vision that honors its legacy while embracing the evolution of contemporary dance. Named Artistic Director in 2009 and CEO in 2015, he is only the second person to helm the organization since its founding in 1970. His connection to Ballet Hispánico spans decades, beginning in 1985 as a dancer and educator before embarking on a distinguished ten-year tenure as Founder and Artistic Director of Luna Negra Dance Theater in Chicago.
Mr. Vilaro’s choreographic work reflects the depth and breadth of the Latin American experience, drawing from a range of cultural influences to create compelling, thought-provoking works. He has created more than 40 ballets, with commissions from esteemed institutions such as the Ravinia Festival, the Chicago Sinfonietta, the Grant Park Festival, the Lexington Ballet, and the Chicago Symphony.
Under his leadership, Ballet Hispánico continues to expand its repertory and artistic reach, ensuring that the company remains at the forefront of dance, preserving tradition while fostering innovation.
