Ballet Hispánico, the nation’s renowned Latinx dance organization recognized as one of America’s Cultural Treasures, kicked off 2021 with a glimpse into the company’s past. The 50th Anniversary Celebration continues with a series of entertaining archival repertory pieces, inviting audiences to look back at vibrant performances celebrating the Company’s history with the Ballet Hispánico Watch Party Series. The series continues with Graciela Daniele’s Stages, celebrating Tina Ramirez, the artist on Wednesday, April 21, 2021 at 6:30pm at ballethispanico.org, and on YouTube and Facebook.

The word “stages” is rich with associations – it can serve a platform for artistry or represent a developmental place in time. This 1992 production of Stages celebrates the evolution of Founder Tina Ramirez’ multi-faceted vision, following Ramirez from her start as a budding ballet student to the pinnacle of her career, triumphantly leading Ballet Hispánico.The evening is hosted by Artistic Director & CEO Eduardo Vilaro and former Company guests Sandra Rivera, Nancy Ticotin, and Nancy Turano.

“Graciela Daniele’s Stages recounts the metamorphosis of a girl into ballerina, soloist, choreographer and artistic director. Set to an affecting and vibrant score by James Kowal, “Stages” is choreographic nostalgia that demonstrates Daniele’s creative savvy and theatrical flair. Her experience on the Broadway stage informs the work’s pacing and narrative. There are charming bits of whimsy – the little girl hoisted by her elders’ barres; the adult ballerina disappointed in romance as two male dancers depart arm in arm – and animated episodes in classical and Latino realms. Toward the end, Daniele includes a cameo for Ramirez, who appears both as seasoned dancer and compassionate mentor.” – The Plain Dealer

Stages (1990), Choreography by Graciela Daniele, Music by James Kowal; Orchestrations by James Elliot Lawrence and Jose Madera; Set Design by Loy Arcenas; Costume Design by Ann Hould-Ward; Lighting Design by Donald Holder

Dancers
Guillermo Asca, Alessandra Corona, Jose Costas, Rebecca Jefferson, Miriam Kescherman, Lynne Morriseey, Celeste Overboe, Pedro Ruiz, Melissa Soto, Laura Taber, Ted Thomas, Nancy Turano, Eduardo Vilaro