Having performed more than 3,350 times in 11 different countries, and with more than 75 works in its repertoire, Ballet Hispanico is known worldwide—and on Monday, October 28, Chattanooga will get a chance to find out why, as the company performs at UTC as part of the Patten Performances series. This season, several new pieces have been added specifically for the 2013-14 tour, including dynamic Spanish choreographer Cavetano Soto’s Sortijas and Tango Vitrola, Vilaro’s Danzon and Archipiélago, Nacho Duato’s Jardi Tancat, Pedro Ruiz’s Club Havana, and Annabelle Lopez Ochoa’s Nube Blanco.
Founded in 1970, and making its home in Manhattan Ballet Hispanico celebrates traditional Latin dances fused with “classical and contemporary techniques” and appreciates America’s blend of cultures with fervor and vigor. Currently, its choreographers represent Venezuelan, Cuban, Trinidadian, Puerto Rican, Mexican, Spanish, Brazilian, Argentinian, and Colombian nationalities.
Renowned for its theatricality and passion, Ballet Hispanico reflects contemporary Hispanic and Latin American culture by combining dances from various heritages. Founder Tina Ramirez, a Venezuelan-American dancer and choreographer created the organization to act as a community outreach program as well as an innovative dance company. Her wish has been fulfilled, as Ballet Hispanico also has a school of dance and an education and outreach program that have both successfully become powerful resources for the Latin American community.
Ballet Hispanico, 7:30 p.m. Oct. 28, UTC Fine Arts Center, Vine & Palmetto Sts. For more information, or to purchase tickets, call (423) 425-4269 or visit utc.edu/fine-arts-center