Ballet Hispanico to Host 2014 Spring Gala Honoring the Ford Foundation, 4/7

On Monday, April 7, 2014, Ballet Hispanico will honor the Ford Foundation with the Civic Inspiration Award at its annual Spring Gala in The Plaza Hotel's Grand Ballroom, 768 Fifth Avenue, NYC. Cocktails begin at 7:00 pm and dinner and dancing commence at 7:45 pm. Attire is black tie. To purchase tickets, a table, a journal advertisement, or for more information, please contact Emma Epstein, Events Manager, at (212) 362-6710 x43 or eepstein@ballethispanico.org.

The celebration this year is themed "Community Partnerships through the Arts" and features live music from the two-time GRAMMY winning Spanish Harlem Orchestra along with performances by the Ballet Hispanico Company and students of the Ballet Hispanico School of Dance. The evening will include an exclusive sneak peek of original costumes created by Venezuelan fashion designer Angel Sanchez for choreographer Gustavo Ramírez Sansano's stunning new work El Beso, to be premiered by Ballet Hispanico at the Company's New York Season at the Joyce Theater on April 15-27.

The event is headed by Event Chairs Jody and John Arnhold, Kate Lear and Jonathan LaPook, David Pérez and Milena Alberti, and Randy and Susan Falco. The Gala Honorary Committee is co-chaired by designer Angel Sanchez and Telemundo COO Jacqueline Hernández. Proceeds, which last year totaled over $1 million, benefit the creation of new Company works, need-based financial aid and merit scholarships in the Ballet Hispanico School of Dance, and community arts education programs.

"We are thrilled to be honoring the Ford Foundation, a champion among our supporters and an organization truly committed to building vibrant communities through the arts," said Kate Lear, Chair of Ballet Hispanico's Board of Directors. "Our strong partnership is predicated on our mutual commitment to sparking innovation, encouraging civic dialogue, and reflecting the rich diversity of our nation's changing demographics. We are inspired by the Ford Foundation's work daily."

"Ballet Hispanico illuminates the power of arts and creativity to make more vibrant and more just societies," said Darren Walker, president of the Ford Foundation. "We are proud to support the important voice of Ballet Hispanico to enhance and amplify the cultural dialogue on the expression of arts and culture by sharing the joy of dance worldwide."