Ballet Hispanico Reaches Past the Stage

by Courtney Fields

One…two...three…five…six….seven...If you have had the opportunity to take a salsa dancing lesson, you understand the concentration and coordination it requires. Now, imagine mixing several uniquely different dance steps into what you know. This is exactly what Ballet Hispanico does- the dance company performs a show that is meant to leave you yearning for more.

Ballet Hispanico is not your typical dance company. Hailing from New York, the group of professional dancers is a melting pot of diverse cultural backgrounds and dance styles. And one of the main missions of Ballet Hispanico is to not only entertain their audiences, but to educate them on Latin culture. Under the guidance of Eduardo Vilaro, the dancers display a fusion of traditional and modern ballet, salsa, and merengue, among other Latin dance styles.

Meet the cast from Ballet Hispanico in this gorgeous video by TDF! | Source

During Ballet Hispanico’s visit to Columbus, they are also facilitating several workshops throughout the area for people to learn their values firsthand. This group is hands-on in their approach, which RiverCenter Executive Director, Norman Easterbrook, has high hopes for. In a press release, Easterbook shared his desire for the renowned group to “expose students to the art of dance at an extremely high level, support a cultural dialogue in the community, and share the power of dance with local educators and organizations. The knowledge and inspiration that they provide remains in our community long after the company has gone.”

Throughout their residency in Columbus, the dance company has worked with non-profit groups, schools, Muscogee County Jail, and they even hosted a free Latin Party for the public at Mildred Terry Library, on Friday, February 1, from 4:00-6:00 p.m.

Each of these events is leading up to the culmination of Ballet Hispanico’s performance at the RiverCenter on Saturday, February 2, at 7:30 p.m. The residency is a part of the RiverCenter’s Connect Series, which has the goal of presenting the community with new cultures and experiences.

Ballet Hispanico will likely share a specific message through speaking, music, and dance elements. The bright colors, eclectic music and movements, and captivating iteration of the robustness of Latin culture will keep the audience on their toes (or ballet pointe). Tickets are available at the RiverCenter box office, 900 Broadway. Hours are Monday-Friday, 10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. Tickets are also available by phone at (706) 256-3612 and online at rivercenter.org.◼︎