For over 50 years, the renowned New York-based dance organization Ballet Hispánico has been bringing people together to celebrate and explore Latino cultures through dance. This week, O-pa is bringing them to Omaha for an artistic residency of community events and a performance of their newest work, Doña Perón.
Dance visionary and National Medal of Arts recipient Tina Ramirez founded Ballet Hispánico in 1970.. From its inception, the company focused on providing a haven for Black and Brown families seeking place and artistic sanctuary. By creating the space for Hispanic dance and dancers to flourish, Ballet Hispánico uplifted marginalized artists and youth, which combined with the training, cultural pride, and the power of representation, fueled the organization’s roots and trajectory.
Eduardo Vilaro joined Ballet Hispánico as a Company dancer in 1985 and became the organization’s second Artistic Director in 2009 and CEO in 2015. Vilaro is building on Ramirez’s impact: By expanding, and deepening the legacy of spotlighting Latino culture visible and showing the intersectionality and depth of diversity found in the Hispanic cultures, Vilaro’s vision has elevated a community from the margins to its place ingrained at the center of the American cultural landscape.
Feb. 2, 2023 — Evita: The Revolutionary
The company kicks off their residency Feb. 2 with a free Voices AMPLIFIED! event at 6 PM at UNO’s Barbara Weitz Community Engagement Center. All are welcome to attend Evita: The Revolutionary, a discussion between Cristián Doña-Reveco and Claudia Garcia from the UNO Office of Latino/Latin American Studies and Michelle Manzazales and Eduardo Vilaro from Ballet Hispánico about one of the most influential (and controversial) figures in Argentinian history and the inspiration for Doña Perón. Register here»
Feb. 3, 2023 — Ballet Hispánico Master Class
Want to get up and moving with these talented dancers? Register for a free dance master class at Bancroft Street Market on Feb. 3 at 6:30 PM.
Feb. 4, 2023 — Ballet Hispánico: Doña Perón
Watch Ballet Hispánico perform their explosive portrait of Eva “Evita” Perón at the Orpheum Theater Feb. 4 at 7:30 PM. Tickets start at $15 and can be purchased here. Come early for a special curtain warmer display of costume sketches by students of South High School and several show pieces from Omaha-based Latino Fashion Designer Agustin Delgado located throughout the lobbies.
You’re also invited to stay after the performance for a talkback with Eduardo Vilaro, Artistic Director & CEO of Ballet Hispánico!
