National Programs

Ballet Hispanico Company members work in communities throughout the United States in conjunction with their concert performances. Ballet Hispanico offers a wide array of short-term Primeros Pasos activities designed to involve the general public, attract new audiences, and provide educational programming for schools and community groups nationwide. The program reaches diverse populations in cities, suburbs, and rural areas. Taught by BH Company members, who have received on-going training in teaching, these activities are coordinated closely with local educators, community groups, and teachers in the local public school system.

Ballet Hispanico professionals work alongside educators to tailor each residency to their needs and preferences – this personalization maximizes the experience for all those involved. Extended residencies are available by request.

During the 2008-2009 touring season, Primeros Pasos served over 16,000 people in 23 communities with 94 educational activities.

PERFORMANCES FOR YOUNG PEOPLE
(Grades K-12)

This spirited 50-minute theatrical production traces the evolution of Latin American and Caribbean dance forms along with their accompanying music and social customs. The result is an unconventional and entertaining insight into Latin culture.

A resource guide for a version of the Performances for Young People (–iajes!) is available on-line and includes:

Background information on the history and customs of Latin America

Dance appreciation concepts

Cultural language and context of dance

Pre- and post-performance activity packet

Technical requirements: Requires a professionally-equipped theater, with an appropriate dance floor and full lighting capabilities; technical set-up time and crew are required.

A Performance for Young Adults is available upon request. For more information regarding this program, please contact Gregory Stuart, Company General Manager, at (212) 362-6710, ext. 24.

LATIN SOCIAL DANCE CLASS
(All Ages)

50-minute class for anyone who would like to learn Salsa, one of today's most popular Latin dances.

Participants at any age and skill level can enjoy taking a turn around the dance floor to these irresistible rhythms.

The class is taught by two of Ballet Hispanico’s talented Company members.

Technical requirements: Adaptable to almost any location with a large open space, although a carpeted areas and concrete floor are not recommended; wood floors preferred. A sound system with CD player or iPod are required. Ballet Hispanico teachers will supply music.

MASTER CLASSES
(Beginning, Intermediate & Advanced Dance Students; maximum of 25 participants)

Modern Master Class.

Ballet Master Class (classes for younger students available by request).

Advanced Salsa Partnering Class (character shoes preferred).

Space and technical requirements: A professional dance studio, with a sprung floor and dance surface. Presenters are encouraged to provide a pianist or percussionist (contemporary) to accompany the class; otherwise, a sound system, CD player or iPod is required.

MOVEMENT WORKSHOPS FOR YOUNG STUDENTS
(Grades: K-12; maximum of 35 participants)

45-minute classroom workshops with focus on beginner dance movement.

Movement Workshops are led by two Ballet Hispanico Company Members.

Designed to enhance students’ understanding and appreciation of dance performance; Workshops can be held either before or after the students attend –iajes!

Space and technical requirements: Open space such as a gymnasium, auditorium, or dance studio; a CD player or iPod is required for each workshop.

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT WORKSHOPS FOR TEACHERS AND EDUCATORS
(Ages: Adults)

Orientation Workshops for elementary, middle and high school teachers that offer a first-hand experience of the dance forms that their students will experience in a performance, workshop or one of Ballet Hispanico's Performances for Young People

Workshop content provides an introduction to the use of dance in reinforcing other learning skills and complementing academic subjects.

Workshop is led by a Ballet Hispanico Teaching Artist in advance of a Company residency.

Space and technical requirements: An open space, such as a library, dance studio, auditorium or gym, with movable seating; a CD player or iPod is required.