Ballet Hispánico, the nation's renowned Latinx dance organization recognized as one of America's Cultural Treasures, presents CARMEN.maquia as part of a 3-part streaming experience hosted by the Macomb Center for the Performing Arts from Tuesday, April 27-Saturday, May 1, 2021 at 7pm. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit https://www.macombcenter.com/events/2020-2021-season/2021-04/carmen-marquia1.html.

 

Tuesday, April 27—Saturday, May 1, 2021

Streaming Performance

A Picasso-inspired, contemporary take on Bizet's beloved classic. The physically charged and sensual choreography fuses contemporary dance with nods to the Spanish paso doble and flamenco. "This Carmen has a spare, elegant, Modernist look." – Brian Seibert, The New York Times

 

Tuesday, April 27, 2021 at 7pm

A Conversation with Choreographer & Cast

Hosted by Ballet Hispánico's Artistic Director & CEO, Eduardo Vilaro, a live, in-depth conversation with our artists. Eduardo is joined by choreographer Gustavo Ramírez Sansano and Company dancers, Shelby Colona and Chris Bloom to give you a behind the scenes look at Ramírez Sansano's work for the Company, CARMEN.maquia. This event will be followed by a dance class taught by former principal dancer and Bhdos rehearsal director, Rodney Hamilton.You must purchase a ticket to the streaming performance to participate in this free event.

 

Saturday, May 1, 2021 at 7pm

Ballet Hispánico Virtual Dance Class

Join one of Ballet Hispánico's world-class artists for a live, virtual dance class taught by former Company dancer and BHdos rehearsal director Rodney Hamilton! Get moving and learn about Latinx culture through the lens of America's leading Latinx dance organization, fun for the first-time dancer and well-versed artist. You must purchase a ticket to the streaming performance to participate in this free event.

 

Rodney Hamilton began his training in his native St. Louis at several schools including Carr Lane V.P.A., the Center of Contemporary Arts, and Alexandra School of Ballet. He also studied with Ms. Katherine Dunham and joined the chorus at the MUNY where he performed for seven years. After arriving in New York City, he graduated with a BFA in Dance from the Juilliard School and joined Ballet Hispánico where he was a principal dancer and assistant rehearsal director for 10 years. During this time, he performed works by José Limon, Paul Taylor, Hans van Manen, Robert Battle, Ohad Naharin, David Parsons, William Whitener, Ann Reinking, Ramón Oller, Sergio Trujillo, Trinette Singleton, Agnes DeMille, Talley Beatty, Annabelle Lopez Ochoa, Vicente Nebrada, and numerous other well-known choreographers. Mr. Hamilton was part of the national touring cast of Hello Dolly with Carol Channing and worked with the Broadway cast of Tarzan during its workshop process. In 2012, Mr. Hamilton became the Resident Choreographer for the Saint Petersburg City Theater in Florida where he choreographed Hello Dolly, Footloose, and Memphis. Mr. Hamilton holds an MFA in Dance from NYU Tisch School of the Arts. He has taught ballet, modern, and Dunham technique all over the world. Mr. Hamilton is Ballet Hispánico's faculty member at the School of Dance and BHdos Rehearsal Director.

 

About Macomb Center for the Performing Arts

The Macomb Center for the Performing Arts is often referred to as the cultural hub of Macomb County, and is the only provider of year-round cultural enrichment experiences in the county. Part of Macomb Community College, the Macomb Center is known for its high standards for professional performances and its varied and excellent programming. The Center has dramatically changed the cultural landscape of the area by bringing high-quality professional performers and instructors to an area that previously had few such opportunities. Residents of all ages, economic situations and ethnicities come to the Center to enjoy the friendly atmosphere and reasonable prices. Students learn about the arts through our year-round education programs. The Macomb Center has led the regional cultural growth on the east side of Metropolitan Detroit for over 30 years. Ranging from Broadway to classical music and dance to comedy, jazz and popular performers, the Macomb Center's season allows the community access to these regionally and nationally known artists in a safe, accessible and local venue. The Macomb Center hosts over 300 events each year including presented and produced events, rentals and community events; is visited by over 106,000 times a year by people attending performances and events; and provides 9,000 volunteer hours for community residents. Partnerships with other area cultural institutions like the Michigan Opera Theatre, All The World's A Stage and Macomb Ballet Company enhance the Center's offerings and help share resources and expenses in an effort to strengthen local arts organizations. The Macomb Center's facilities include a 1,271-seat main theatre, a black box theatre that seats 200, studios and rehearsal spaces. The Center is equipped with state-of-the-art sound and lighting and is staffed by experienced and trained professionals. Additional rentals and community events are held throughout the year.

 

About Ballet Hispánico

Ballet Hispánico is the nation's renowned Latino dance organization and one of America's Cultural Treasures. Ballet Hispánico brings communities together to celebrate and explore Latino cultures through innovative dance performances, transformative dance training, and enduring community engagement experiences. Founded in 1970 by National Medal of Arts recipient, Tina Ramírez, the organization emerged during the post-civil rights movement on New York's Upper West Side, providing a safe haven for primarily Black and Brown Latinx youth seeking artistic sanctuary during New York City's plight in the 1970s. The need for place, both culturally and artistically, led families to find Ballet Hispánico. The focus on dance as a means to develop working artists, combined with the training, authenticity of voice, and power of representation, fueled the organization's roots and trajectory. With its strong emphasis on dance, achievement, and public presence, the organization has flourished in its three main programs: its Company, School of Dance, and Community Arts Partnerships. The organization serves as a platform for historically omitted and overlooked artists providing them with increased capacity, voice, and affirmation. Over the past five decades, by leading with Latinx culture at the forefront of performance, education, and advocacy, Ballet Hispánico's mission is a catalyst of change and possibility for communities throughout our nation.