Ballet Hispanico, A Palo Seco

Celebrating 43 years of dance and culture, Ballet Hispanico is recognized as the nation’s premier Latino dance organization. Led by Artistic Director Eduardo Vilaro, the Company boasts a rich and diverse repertory of over 100 works by the foremost choreographers and emerging artists of our time. The works expand on founder Tina Ramirez’s legacy of exploring the diversity of Latino culture through a fusion of Latin and contemporary dance powered by theatricality and passion. The Company has performed for an audience of nearly 3 million, throughout 11 countries, on 3 continents. Ballet Hispanico will perform a dynamic quartet of works including Asuka, a celebration of the music of Celia Cruz through the lens of the Latino experience. Cruz, renowned as the “Queen of Salsa,” captured the heart of Latinos the world over and became a symbol of perseverance for many. Through rich imagery and humor, choreographer Eduardo Vilaro explores the struggles of departure from one’s homeland and the exuberance of success experienced by a community. Join us as we pay tribute to the life of Ms. Cruz on this special date which coincides with her 2002 appearance at SummerStage, as well as anniversary of her passing in 2003. http://www.ballethispanico.org/

A Palo Seco is a New York based Flamenco Company that strives to develop a unique voice, employing their Flamenco expertise, while also taking into account the context in which they live. Their work offers an innovative way of looking at Flamenco, combining traditional techniques with a modern, metropolitan flare. Run by artistic director and choreographer, Rebeca Tomas, the company debuted its first production in May 2010 at Theatre 80 St. Marks. They have also appeared throughout the U.S. at venues such as the Chicago Flamenco Festival and Jacob’s Pillow Dance. “A Palo Seco” is a phrase that refers to a bare-bones style of flamenco music, often consisting of singing or percussion alone. This stripped-down aesthetic has become a central theme in the company’s work, characterizing its biggest departures from tradition, while also rooting their work in the emotional rawness that lies at the heart of the art of Flamenco. www.apalosecoflamenco.com