Ballet Hispánico, in collaboration with the Apollo Theater, made its annual wondrous return to the Apollo stage, led by Eduardo Vilaro in his seventh season as Artistic Director. The trio of works drew upon the innovation and versatility of one of the world’s premier dance companies to capture contemporary Latino culture through movement. The performances were supported by Goya Foods, Lead Sponsor of Ballet Hispánico.
The World Premiere of Línea Recta, choreographed by Belgo-Colombian Annabelle Lopez Ochoa and co-commissioned by the Apollo Theater, paired the hallmark passion of flamenco dance with innovative and intricate partnering, performed to live Spanish guitar. The evening also featured Cuban-American Eduardo Vilaro’s Danzón, which puts a contemporary spin on the national dance of Cuba, and Spaniard Gustavo Ramírez Sansano‘s colorful, amusing and fast-moving , set to music by Juan García Esquivel.
“We are thrilled to have Ballet Hispánico return to the Apollo this year with these exciting works and to further extend the relationship into an even deeper partnership with the co-commissioning of Línea Recta ,” said Kamilah Forbes, the Apollo’s new Executive Producer, “Though music has always been at the core of the Theater’s mission, dance has also been an integral part of the Apollo’s DNA. We continue to honor that legacy through collaborations with esteemed companies like Ballet Hispánico.”
Línea Recta was Annabelle Lopez Ochoa’s third original work for Ballet Hispánico under Eduardo Vilaro; the Company previously commissioned and performed audience favorites Mad’moiselle (2010) and Sombrerísimo (2013). Ballet Hispánico also acquired and performed Lopez Ochoa’s Before After (2002), Nube Blanco (2008) and Locked Up Laura (2009).
“The Apollo is a treasured partner and a home for Ballet Hispánico,” said Eduardo Vilaro, Artistic Director of Ballet Hispánico. “We’re proud to bring to their stage bold and distinctive works that reflect the Latino influence on the artistic, social and cultural life of our great nation.”
Additional programs at the Apollo Theater included special Ballet Hispánico Performances for Young People / Apollo School Day Live shows of mixed repertory for schoolchildren. Ballet Hispánico’s Performances for Young People (PYP) are interactive 50-minute productions that delight students with a guided exploration of Latin American dance forms and music. Apollo School Day Live provides new generations of theater-goers with exciting opportunities to learn about the arts, history and culture.
