The New Orleans Hispanic Heritage Foundation in partnership with the New Orleans Ballet Association was pleased to join NOBA at the virtual presentation of the acclaimed Ballet Hispánico performance on Saturday, June 26th at 7:00 pm at www.nobadance.com.
A discussion with Ballet Hispánico Artistic Director Eduardo Vilaro and Choreographer Michelle Manzanales was held also on Saturday, June 26th at 6:15 pm. Both events were FREE and open to the public and streamed on the NOBA website for 24 hours following the premiere.
About the Ballet Hispánico Performance:
Led by charismatic, Cuban-American director Eduardo Vilaro and with a bold style of fusing classical, Latin and contemporary dance, Ballet Hispánico has become an “ambassador of not just Latino culture but of dance itself.” (Broadway World). This gorgeous company of “the most technically accomplished and musical dancers you’ll find in the contemporary sphere” (The Washington Post) brings an evening of electrifying dance that celebrates the diverse and passionate voices of today’s Latino artists.
The Performance Will Feature Three Stunning Works:
Con Brazos Abiertos: Michelle Manzanales explores with humility, nostalgia and humor the iconic Mexican symbols that she was reluctant to embrace as a Mexican-American child growing up in Texas. Intertwining folkloric details with a distinctly contemporary voice in dance, set to music that ranges from Julio Iglesias to rock en Español, Con Brazos Abiertos is a fun and frank look at a life caught between two cultures. Watch a Sneak Peek of Con Brazos Abiertos Here.
Danzón: Initially evolved from Haitian contradance, the Danzón has been called the official dance of Cuba. Eduardo Vilaro has taken this traditional and quintessentially Cuban dance form and reinvented it with contemporary language to construct a joyous celebration of music and movement. Watch a Sneak Peek of Danzón Here.
Línea Recta: From one of today’s most sought-after choreographers comes a powerful and resonant work that explores an intriguing aspect of flamenco dance: the conspicuous absence of physical partnering. While maintaining the integrity and hallmark passion of the genre, Annabelle Lopez Ochoa imagines an original and explosive movement language premised upon the theme of partnership and performed to flamenco guitar by Eric Vaarzon Morel. Watch a Sneak Peek of Línea Recta Here.