The Ballet Hispanico will perform at the Shepherd University Frank Center theater on Wednesday, March 5 at 8 p.m.
The Ballet Hispanico was founded in 1970 by Tina Ramirez who also served as the creative director until 2009. Under Ramirez’s direction, over 45 choreographers created theatrical performances. Since 2009, the company is under new artistic leadership but continues to create riveting and alluring works.
According to the production’s website ballethispanico.org, “Ballet Hispanico explores, preserves, and celebrates Latino cultures through dance.” The Professional Company, the School of Dance, and the Education and Outreach Programs all come together and create a diverse troupe of talent.
The production has been featured in The Washington Post, The New York Times and various other media, earning high reviews from all. “The versatile Ballet Hispanico dancers were exquisite, whether performing as tango club dancers or Catalonian peasants,” said Washington Post writer Rebecca Ritzel about a Ballet Hispanico show at the Kennedy Center.
Wardrobe is something to look forward to in this show. Performers are outfitted in everything from brightly colored leotards and bare feet to women in beaded dresses and men in snazzy suits. Outfits are sometimes changed multiple times during the show, depending on the pieces being performed.
Certain dances and songs evoke different time periods or themes. This is conveyed in a clever mix of the music variety, dance style, performers, and wardrobe.
The Ballet Hispanico tours mostly through the U.S., showcasing their talent to all walks of life. Seeing this show is a chance for students, faculty and anyone else interested to expand their horizons and seize the opportunity to experience a very unique show. Tickets are $20 for general admission; $15 for faculty, staff, and seniors; $5 for ages 18 and under and free for Shepherd students with Rambler ID.