Ballet Hispánico dances through Omaha

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Ballet Hispánico’s dancers like to stay busy. During a four-day artist residency in Omaha from March 9–12, they led eight classes and workshops for community members at the Holland Center, UNO, Boys Town, the Hispanic Arts Center, Omaha South High School, and Refugee Women Rising before performing CARMEN.maquia at the Orpheum Theater.

With their mission of intersecting art and advocacy, it has been an exciting partnership for O-pa. Ballet Hispánico is the largest Latinx/Latine/Hispanic cultural organization in the United States, with three main programs: the Company, School of Dance, and Community Arts Partnerships. They work to bring communities together to celebrate the multifaceted Hispanic diasporas and the beauty and diversity of Hispanic cultures through dance.

The artist residency was organized through O-pa’s Education and Community Engagement department as we connect Omaha with world-class artists beyond the stage. Ballet Hispánico performed at the Orpheum in 2023 and participated in a Voices AMPLIFIED! conversation about their portrayal of Eva “Evita” Perón, one of the most recognizable and controversial women in Argentinian history. This visit, dance lovers enjoyed another stunning retelling of a strong female character during their performance, and community members of all ages had a chance to get out on the dance floor during the proceeding engagement events.

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Social Dance Workshop

Pre-professional Training Experience

Voices AMPLIFIED! "Carmen:" An Inside Look

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Aaron Gregory, O-pa’s Hip Hop, Dance & Community Engagement Manager said, “Bringing Ballet Hispánico back to Omaha and into the community was impactful because they reminded us about the importance of having fun and enjoying ourselves! A well-curated blend of artistry & culture, each class ended with smiles, excitement, and gratitude from artists and the participants.”

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A Social Dance Workshop invited all ages and families for a fun dance session. The Pre-Professional Training Experience offered a more advanced option, with participants of the three day workshop learning Latinidad dance techniques that they then performed as the “curtain warmer” before Ballet Hispánico’s show.

“The pre-professional workshop only drew out what greatness lies within each dancer. They came focused and ready to learn & contribute to the experience,” said Aaron.

Another Voices AMPLIFIED! conversation gave a look behind their show CARMEN.maquia with CEO Eduardo Villaro at Omaha South High School. In addition, Ballet Hispánico teaching artists visited UNO, Boys Town, the Hispanic Arts Center, and Refugee Women Rising.

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A well-curated blend of artistry & culture, each class ended with smiles, excitement, and gratitude from artists and the participants.

– Aaron Gregory

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Participants were enthusiastic with lots of positive feedback, and the company members had fun too! Stay tuned for more as we continue to work with Ballet Hispánico on new opportunities for Omaha.