State Theatre New Jersey Presents Ballet Hispánico

State Theatre New Jersey presents America's premier Latino dance organization Ballet Hispánico on Thursday, October 11, 2018 at 8pm. Through the work of its professional company, school of dance, and community arts education programs, Ballet Hispánico celebrates the dynamic aesthetics of the Hispanic diaspora. This program features three dance pieces all choreographed by women. The program includes Con Brazos Abiertos choreographed by Michelle Manzanales, Sombrerisimo by Annabelle Lopez Ochoa, and 3.Catorce Dieciseis by Tania Pérez-Salas. Tickets range from $19-$49.

Ballet Hispaìnico has been America's premier Latino dance organization for more than 48 years, bringing communities together to celebrate and explore Latino cultures and the shared human experience through dance. Today, Ballet Hispaìnico is led by acclaimed choreographer and educator Eduardo Vilaro. As Artistic Director and CEO, Vilaro has infused the organization's legacy with a bold and eclectic brand of contemporary dance that reflects America's changing cultural landscape and the contemporary Latino culture. As a powerful voice for diversity, Ballet Hispaìnico leads in bringing arts to marginalized communities and nurturing future Latino leaders by giving access to those voices found throughout Latin America and the Spanish diaspora.

Through performances of its internationally acclaimed Company, innovative dance training programs, and community education activities that inspire individuals of all ages and backgrounds, Ballet Hispaìnico brings the joy of dance and Latino cultures to the world. Founder of Ballet Hispaìnico in 1970, Tina Ramirez, was recognized for her achievements by the National Medal of Arts, the nation's highest cultural honor. Ramirez sought to give voice to the Hispanic experience and break through stereotypes. Under her direction, over 45 choreographers have created works for the Company, many of international stature and others in the early stages of their career. From its grassroots origins as a dance school and community based performing arts troupe, the organization has grown into a world-class institution.

Con Brazos Abierto, choreographed by Michelle Manzanales, explores with humility, nostalgia, and humor the iconic Mexican symbols that she was reluctant to embrace as a Mexican-American child growing up in Texas. Intertwining folkloric details with a distinctly contemporary voice in dance, set to music that ranges from Julio Iglesias to rock en español, Con Brazos Abiertos is a fun and frank look at a life caught between two cultures.

Sombrerisimo, choreographed by Annabelle Lopez Ochoa, is an absorbing exploration of identity; Sombrerísimo makes references to the surrealist world of the Belgian painter René Magritte, famous for his paintings of men in bowler hats.

3.Catorce Dieciseis, choreographed by Tania Pérez-Salas, is the final piece to be showcased. Pérez-Salas is one of the leading voices of Mexican contemporary dance; she draws inspiration from the number Pi to reflect on the circularity of our movement through life. With intense theatricality and breathtaking imagery set to music by Vivaldi and other Baroque composers, 3.Catorce Dieciséis is a joyful feast for the senses.

For tickets, more information, or group discounts, call State Theatre Guest Services at 732-246-SHOW (7469), or visit us online at STNJ.org. State Theatre Guest Services, located at 15 Livingston Ave, New Brunswick NJ, is open Monday through Friday from 10am to 6pm; Saturday from 1pm to 5pm; and at least three hours prior to curtain on performance dates unless otherwise specified. Additional ticket and transaction fees may apply.

The theater exists to enrich people's lives, contribute to a vital urban environment, and build future audiences by presenting the finest performing artists and entertainers and fostering lifetime appreciation for the performing arts through arts education. State Theatre New Jersey's programs are made possible by funds from the New Jersey State Council on the Arts, a partner agency of the National Endowment for the Arts. Grant funding has been provided by the Middlesex County Board of Chosen Freeholders through a grant award from the Middlesex County Cultural and Arts Trust Fund. United is the official airline of the State Theatre.