JACKSON, Wyo. — Considered the cultural heart of Latine dance in the U.S., New York City-based powerhouse Ballet Hispánico will touch down at Dancer’s Workshop next week for a five day residency. It was designated by the Ford Foundation as one of America’s Cultural Treasures and is the largest Latinx/Latine/Hispanic cultural organization in the country. During the January 29-February 2 residency, the company will offer dual immersion dance outreach, classes for advanced dance students, two performances and a post-performance community dance party open to all.
Buckrail caught up with Eduardo Vilaro, Artistic Director & CEO of Ballet Hispánico, ahead of his trip to debut trip to Jackson to explore behind-the-scenes aspects of the residency.
“Dance is the heart of what we do but education is our back,” explained Vilaro. “This organization began because of the need for access for the Latinx community to have—even in New York City—quality training and to have their stories and who they are reflected on stage. So we’re known for the work we do in engagement and community work because we believe that every time we touch down in a community, it is important not to parachute down and just do a performance, but interact with the community. That’s why doing these types of workshops are so important. We’re still learning that Latin Latinx communities are American communities.”
Broadway World stated that Ballet Hispánico’s live performance “compels audiences to think differently and lean into an unseen, unimaginable cultural vibrancy.” Amplifying Latinx artists and cultures through innovative contemporary works, the two performances on Feb. 1-2 will display an eclectic offering through four distinct works that are at once thought-provoking and elegant.
“Don’t come expecting to see folkloric Latin dance,” Vilaro said. “Come prepared to be wowed by this fusion of styles and the diversity. The first work we’re doing (at the two performances) is Línea Recta, fusing flamenco with contemporary ballet. And then we’re going to this very modern, bombastic duet called New Sleep, by this master choreographer William Forsythe, who they called “the bad boy of ballet.” Then we go into 18+1, which is very provocative because it’s very athletic and it uses 1940s Latin music from Perez Brallo. But yet the juxtapositioning movement has nothing to do with what you might think the movement would be for the music that’s being played. And then finally we end with Club Havana, which is a celebration of the Caribbean and in particular here, Cuban dances (conga, rumba, mambo, cha cha).”
After the performance on Friday evening, all are welcome to join in on the fun with a salsa dance celebration with Ballet Hispánico in the Center Lobby.
“The post performance dance party is about joy; celebrate community and unity. Just come together. You know, because when you dance together…I know people get really shy about, ‘oh, I’m not a good dancer,’ but sometimes you just need someone to grab your hand and lead you through something that is another language.”
As for the dual immersion outreach in schools and evening classes for advanced dance students, inspiration lies at the core.
“This is why we’re a touring company. It’s important to share. Everyone should have the opportunity, not just the cities, but rural areas too. This was built on access to the community, so anytime we can be somewhere sharing our mission and vision is important.”
“I am so excited because we have never been to Jackson Hole. Excited to see some elk!
”Dancers’ Workship presents Ballet Hispánico, 7 p.m. on Thursday and Friday, Feb. 1-2 at The Center Theater. Tickets are $38-$68. Salsa Dance Celebration in the Center Lobby after the Friday performance. Learn more at dwjh.org or jhcenterforthearts.org. To purchase tickets over the phone in Spanish, contact Abi Jimenez-Sanchez or Bailey Walker at 307-733-6398.
