BALLET HISPANICO Returns to The Apollo Theater With Three New Works and Live Music - 11/23

Ballet Hispanico, recognized as the nation's leading Latino dance organization since 1970, returns to the legendary Apollo Theater on Saturday, November 23, 2013 at 7:30pm, following last season's sold-out holiday performance. The performance is sponsored by Goya Foods. Highlights include a seductive world premiere by Edgar Zendejas inspired by the beloved Mexican celebration "Día de los Muertos" (Day of the Dead), and the Apollo premiere of Belgian-Colombian Annabelle Lopez Ochoa's Sombrerísimo, an athletic tour de force for six male dancers. The world premiere of Artistic Director Eduardo Vilaro's Hogar will be set to vibrant live music by Ljova and the Kontraband, a mix of classical, Latin, and gypsy melodies. The Apollo Theater is located at 253 W. 125th Street, NYC. Tickets start at $28 and are available for purchase in person at the Apollo Theater Box Office, or through Ticketmaster at 800.745.3000 or www.ticketmaster.com.

Umbral (World Premiere)

Choreography by Edgar Zendejas

Mexican-born Edgar Zendejas's first commission for Ballet Hispanico-set to original music by electroacoustic composer Owen Belton-is an imaginative interpretation of the beloved Mexican celebration "Día de los Muertos" (Day of the Dead).

Hogar (World Premiere) with live music by Ljova and the Kontraband

Choreography by Eduardo Vilaro

Artistic Director Eduardo Vilaro unveils his latest work for Ballet Hispanico, created in collaboration with acclaimed Russian composer Lev Zhurbin to original music and rooted in themes of family, home, and immigration.

Sombrerísimo (Apollo Premiere)

Choreography by Annabelle Lopez Ochoa

An absorbing exploration of individuality, Sombrerísimo is an athletic tour de force for six men, full of rhythmic agility and stylistic flair. The work was specially commissioned by New York City Center for the 10th anniversary of its Fall for Dance Festival.

"We are thrilled to return to the historic Apollo Theater after a sold-out program last year," said Eduardo Vilaro, Artistic Director of Ballet Hispanico. "The three premieres this year bring diverse perspectives to the stage, and together they explore myth, tradition, and the celebration of the Latino experience."

"Goya is honored to play a role in bringing Ballet Hispanico, along with its culture and tradition, to one of the most legendary and recognized theaters in the world," said Bob Unanue, President of Goya Foods and a board member of Ballet Hispanico.

Reviewing last year's engagement, The New York Times said: "It feels like a tradition in the making. Premieres and an enthusiastic audience combine with the [Apollo] Theater's historic vibrations for a sense of special occasion."

Ballet Hispanico's performance at the Apollo Theater is the official closing event of the 2013 Latin American Cultural Week. Launched in 2006, the Latin American Cultural Week is an annual city-wide festival which highlights the production of dance, film, literature, music, theater, visual and performing arts of the Americas in New York City. www.lacw.net

Ballet Hispanico's 2014 New York season is made possible by Jody and John Arnhold, Goya Foods, The Harkness Foundation for Dance, Bloomberg Philanthropies, The Fan Fox & Leslie R. Samuels Foundation, The Shubert Foundation, The Princess Grace Foundation - USA and with public support from the National Endowment for the Arts, the New York State Council on the Arts, a state agency, the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the City Council, and Spain Culture New York-Consulate General of Spain & Spain Arts & Culture.