Ballet Hispanico Lets Performers Share Culture, Heritage Through Dance – CBS New York
newyork.cbslocal.com
Ballet Hispanico is one of the largest ballet studios in America, spreading stories of Latinx culture and heritage through dance. (Credit: CBS2) At Ballet Hispanico, the dancers are also sharing their heritage, CBS2’s Jessica Layton reports. The dance company started 50 years ago to give contemporary Hispanic culture a place in American society. They suffered a flood three years ago at their West 89th Street offices but bounced back. Web Extra: Ballet Hispanico CEO & Artistic Director On CBSN New York The dancers perform for millions across the world — and more locally, at the Apollo Theater. “A lot of them become excellent educators because we’re out in the community working with them and they work with me, so I think the reaction of the dancers is always, wow, I thought I’d just be a dancer but I’m so much more,” Vilaro said. (Credit: CBS2) “All dance and all art represent the culture in which it was created,” dancer Paulo Hernandez-Farella said. “It’s so nice to learn what’s behind that and be able to express that through dance now … and say that this is so much more than entertainment, it’s actually someone’s culture, it’s actually my culture and that’s why it’s important to me.” Ballet Hispanico ultimately aims to give its dancers a voice and access to the arts during Hispanic Heritage Month and every day all year. This Sunday, the ballet is hosting a block party right outside its Upper West Side studio. There will be music, performances and dancing lessons. For more information and to register, visit ballethispanico.org.