Ballet Hispánico presents a triple bill at Apollo
In what has become an “enjoyable tradition during the holiday season” (The New York Times), Ballet Hispánico in collaboration with the Apollo Theater makes its annual return to the Apollo stage on November 18 and 19, led by Cuban-American Eduardo Vilaro in his seventh season as artistic director. A trio of works will draw upon the innovation and versatility of one of the world’s premier dance companies to capture contemporary Latino culture through movement.
The world premiere of Línea Recta, choreographed by Belgo-Colombian Annabelle Lopez Ochoa and co-commissioned by the Apollo Theater, pairs the hallmark passion of flamenco dance with innovative and intricate partnering, performed to live Spanish guitar. The evening also features 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 Flabbergast, set to music by Juan García Esquivel.
“The Apollo is a treasured partner and a home for Ballet Hispánico,” Vilaro said. “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.”
Likewise, Apollo’s new Executive Producer Kamilah Forbes said, “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.”
Línea Recta will be Lopez Ochoa’s third original work for Ballet Hispánico under Vilaro; the company previously commissioned and performed audience favorites Mad’moiselle in 2010 and Sombrerísimo in 2013. Ballet Hispánico also acquired and performed Lopez Ochoa’s Before After (2002), Nube Blanco (2008) and Locked Up Laura (2009).
Additional programs at the Apollo Theater will include 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 theatergoers with exciting opportunities to learn about the arts, history and culture.
Tickets for the evening shows are $35-$65 and are available online at Ticketmaster.com, by phone at (800) 745-3000, or in person at the Apollo Theater Box Office at 253 W. 125th Street, NYC. For more information, visit www.ballethispanico.org.
Photo (top): Ballet Hispanico dancers. Photo by Paula Lobo. Photo (left): The company in Danzon. Photo by Paula Lobo. Photo (right): Dancers in Flabbergast. Photo by Bicking Photography.