Ballet Hispánico, the nation’s renowned Latinx dance organization recognized as one of America’s Cultural Treasures, announces the New York premiere of Doña Perón at New York City Center, April 1-3, 2022, the concluding performances of Ballet Hispánico’s 50th Anniversary Celebration, on Fri & Sat at 7:30pm, Sat & Sun at 2pm. The Company will perform as part of the first City Center Dance Festival which showcases New York companies making their triumphant return to the City Center stage after more than two years away. Tickets can be purchased online at nycitycenter.org/pdps/2021-2022/city-center-dance-festival/, by phone (212-581-1212) or in-person with New York City Center, 131 W. 55th Street, NYC. 

Choreographed by Annabelle Lopez Ochoa to music by Peter Salem, Doña Perón is the first full evening-length work commissioned by the Company and reclaims the narrative of the iconic Latina figure by a Latina choreographer. The work is an explosive portrait of Eva “Evita” Perón, one of the most recognizable, and controversial, women in Argentinian history. The illegitimate daughter of a prosperous farmer, Evita concealed this shameful past as she rose the ranks from dancehall performer to Argentina’s First Lady – all before her untimely death at the age of 33.

Doña Perón brings to light the extremes of power at the forefront of Evita’s life. Her work as an activist and advocate for Argentina’s women and working class raised skepticism as she indulged in the opulence of a high-class life. A voice for the people, or a deceitful actress? Ochoa explores these diverging legacies and more in this seminal work, marking Ballet Hispánico’s move beyond their 50th Anniversary and the continuation of centering the voices of Latinx artists.

“She’s not a fairytale character, she’s not a literary character,” said Annabelle Lopez Ochoa. “She’s a real woman, and for me, it’s interesting to put her on stage because she’s difficult to pinpoint. I want to give female dancers real roles, not always the nice roles. Women are complex and it’s nice to show all of these facets. I’m very grateful that I can put this woman, Evita Perón, on stage as a female choreographer.”