On Saturday evening, Ballet Hispanico presented a number intriguing and exciting of works at the Kupferberg Center for the Arts. Ballet Hispanico is one of the most preeminent dance companies expressing Hispanic culture through dance in the United States. Contrasting the restrained aesthetics of classical dance with the exuberance and vivaciousness of Latin culture, Ballet Hispanico certainly provided an exciting spectacle for its audience.
The evening featured four splendid works, including two by celebrated choreographer Annabelle Lopez Ochoa. In "Mad'moiselle," Ms. Ochoa created a camp, stylized and highly theatrical work exploring the nature of gender and the playful role-play of Latin-American cultures. Taking the character of Maria from 'West Side Story' as its point of departure, this episodic work creates an intense spectacle by contrasting classical lines with rapid movement. Costumed in electric-red wigs, the dancers provide an entertaining exploration of fun and sex through evocative dance.
"Tito on Timbalesis" provided a tribute to the music of master percussionist Tito Puente. This lively dance piece dating back to the company's early history provided that contrast between classical dance and Latino rhythms that the company is so well-known for. Combining both ballet and the whimsy of social dance through sensual patterns and ensemble exuberance, choreographer William Whitener captured something of the joy of a fiesta.
Artistic Director Eduardo Vilaro's latest work for Ballet Hispanico is "Hogar," created in collaboration with acclaimed Russian composer Lev Zhurbin. Again the ensemble uses contrasts brilliantly to construct both loose narrative and whirling emotion. The piece elucidated ideas of a family, departure, travel, migration, and home. By creating images that resonate deeply with Latino-Americans through flowing dance, Vilaro's work truly captured the imagination.
Finally, there was "Sombrerísimo," again choreographed by Annabelle Lopez Ochoa. Six of the company's men began the dance with an intricate hat-tossing number. The piece combines elements of everyday, pedestrian movement with sudden bursts of intense choreography. The music, which mixes Latin club tunes with street sounds, perfectly highlights the tension inherent in the piece.
By extending the tensions between classical and contemporary, Latino and American, European and South American and bringing them almost to breaking point, Ballet Hispanico provided a welcome spectacle that demonstrates why this is one of the preeminent dance companies in the country.
Ballet Hispanico will dance "Sombrerísimo," "Hogar," and other works at the Joyce, April 15-27. For more information, check out our listing here.
