National Programs

Ballet Hispanico’s arts in education program, Primeros Pasos, has given rise to a host of activities designed to invigorate communities through Hispanic dance, attract new audiences and provide award-winning educational programming for local schools and educators. The program embodies a belief that with its own distinct vocabulary and dramatic flair, dance is an educational tool for all ages.

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.

PERFORMANCES FOR YOUNG PEOPLE
(Ages K-6)

Performances for Young People (Ages K-6) This spirited 50-minute theatrical production, –iva Las Americas!, 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 is available on-line and includes:

Background information on the history and customs of Latin America

How to look at dance (what, when, where and how)

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 Derek Munson, 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 and clip microphone are required. Ballet Hispanico teachers will supply music.

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

Modern Master Class led by a Katherine Dunham certified teacher.

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 or boom box is required.

MOVEMENT WORKSHOPS FOR YOUNG STUDENTS
(Ages: K-6; maximum of 25 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 –iva Las Americas!

Space and technical requirements: Classrooms, dance studios or gym facilities; a boom box is required for each workshop.

RESIDENCY ORIENTATION 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 workshop, dance concert or –iva Las Americas! performance.

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 boom box is required.