The School

Established by Artistic Director Tina Ramirez in 1970, The Ballet Hispanico School has forged a reputation among the nation's leading professional training programs, offering a balanced curriculum in classical ballet, modern and Spanish dance - a practice unique among America's dance training institutions. As a result, students receive not only a thorough grounding in the primary techniques required for a successful performing career but also specialized training in the rich and varied dance tradition which, for many, is their cultural heritage.

The Ballet Hispanico School of Dance embodies Tina Ramirez’ founding vision of a balanced curriculum in ballet, contemporary and Spanish dance. Students may study the Ballet Hispanico aesthetic via the Pre-Professional track or the less intensive Enrichment program. The faculty boasts a diverse team of respected dance artists from around the world, and includes current members of the Company as guest teachers. The Ballet Hispanico Company rehearses on-site, serving as a model to young dancers who aspire to perform with their Company mentors. Select students dance in the School Ensemble, the performing arm of the School that serves as a bridge to the professional dance world. All classes are set to live music and housed in The Ballet Hispanico Center for Dance and Latin Culture located on Manhattan’s Upper West Side.

In addition to performing with Ballet Hispanico's own company, alumni of the School have gone on to careers in theater (Nancy Ticotin), film (Jennifer Lopez, Leelee Sobieski and Rachel Ticotin) and television (Michael DeLorenzo), as well as with other leading dance companies. Still others are applying the discipline and self-esteem acquired through their dance classes to demanding professions in other fields - business, education, government, law and medicine.