Ballet Hispánico was founded on the principle that everyone deserves dance, quality dance training and innovative performances. In creating the company in 1970, Tina Ramirez shattered a glass ceiling—challenging iconic representations and exposing the joy and celebration to be found in “Latinidad.” Despite its humble origins, Ballet Hispánico immediately served as a catalyst for people in the Latine/x/Hispanic community, especially for Latino youth, to follow their dreams in the cultural world.

Today, as the largest Latino cultural organization in the United States and one of America’s Cultural Treasures, Ballet Hispánico’s three main programs, the Company, School of Dance and Community Arts Partnerships bring together communities to celebrate the ever growing and multifaceted Hispanic diasporas. Ballet Hispánico’s New York City headquarters provide the space and cultural heart for Latinx dance in the United States. It is a space that expands on Ramirez’s original vision by providing our community the ability to train through dedicated scholarship opportunities, exceptional dance training, inclusive cultural dialogues and exemplary performances. No matter their background or identity, Ballet Hispánico welcomes and serves all, breaking stereotypes and celebrating the beauty and diversity of Hispanic cultures through dance.

Their event in Central Park this summer promises to deliver an exciting Company performance featuring new and classic Ballet Hispánico repertory including Pas de O’Farrill and Club Havana by Pedro Ruiz, and Sombrerísimo and House of Mad’moiselle by Annabelle Lopez Ochoa. As a bonus, audience members will have the chance to a participate in a Meet & Greet opportunity with Ballet Hispánico’s Company Dancers. “Everything about Ballet Hispánico is smashingly theatrical—from the stunning individuality and flamboyant, expressive style of its dancers to its use of sets, lighting, costumes and sound” (Chicago Sun-Times).