Mutual Dance Theatre and the Jefferson James Contemporary Dance Theater Series present Ballet Hispánico from New York, NY, fresh out of their 50th anniversary tour!

Ballet Hispánico was founded by National Medal of Arts recipient Tina Ramirez in 1970, and today, has grown to be the largest Latinx cultural organization in the U.S. Ballet Hispánico has been named one of America’s Cultural Treasures, celebrating and exploring Latinx culture through dance.

In this mixed repertory concert, the world-class ensemble of exquisite and virtuosic technique will perform the following works, taking audiences on a full range of theatricality, from the intense to the comedic: “Tiburones” by the internationally-sought-after Annabelle Lopez Ochoa, 18+1 by Gustavo Ramírez Sansano (formerly of Luna Negra), and Con Brazos Abiertos from Michelle Manzanales (who has choreographed for Paul Taylor Dance Company and Oregon Ballet Theatre).

TIBURONES by Annabelle Lopez Ochoa

In Tiburones, internationally sought-after choreographer Annabelle Lopez Ochoa addresses the discrimination and stereotypes placed upon Latinx culture and the power the media has in portraying these themes by diminishing the voices of Latinx artists. Ochoa will deconstruct gender roles and identity to revitalize an authentic perspective of Puerto Rican icons appropriated within the entertainment industry.

18+1 by Gustavo Ramírez Sansano

18+1 celebrates Gustavo’s 19 years as a choreographer and the vulnerability, care, and hope that comes with each artistic endeavor. In a display of subtle humor and electric choreography, the movement merges with the playful rhythms found in Pérez Prado’s mambo music. Sansano draws from his history and memory to take a joyous look at the past, present, and coming future. (Mutual Dance Theatre and the JJCDT fondly remembers presenting Luna Negra under Gustavo’s directorship in 2012.)

CON BRAZOS ABIERTOS by Michelle Manzanales

Michelle Manzanales explores with humility, nostalgia and humor the iconic Mexican symbols that she was reluctant to embrace as a Mexican-American child growing up in Texas. Intertwining folkloric details with a distinctly contemporary voice in dance, set to music that ranges from Julio Iglesias to rock en Español, Con Brazos Abiertos is a fun and frank look at a life caught between two cultures.