Our Mission
Ballet Hispánico brings communities together to celebrate and explore Hispanic culture through innovative dance productions, transformative dance training, and community engagement.
About Ballet Hispánico
Ballet Hispánico was founded on the principle that everyone deserves access to dance—through exceptional training, groundbreaking performances, and dynamic community engagement. When Tina Ramirez established the company in 1970, she shattered barriers, challenging traditional representations of dance and celebrating the vibrancy of Latinidad on the world stage.
Today, as the largest Hispanic cultural organization in the United States and one of America’s Cultural Treasures, Ballet Hispánico continues to shape the future of dance through its three main pillars: the Company, the School of Dance, and Community Arts Partnerships. Our organization engages audiences with the works of Latine/Hispanic choreographers, amplifies cultural dialogue, and nurtures dancers of all ages. At the heart of it all is our New York City headquarters—a cultural hub dedicated to fostering Latine dance and leadership in the arts.
Eduardo Vilaro, a former Company dancer, became Ballet Hispánico’s second Artistic Director in 2009 and CEO in 2015. Under his leadership, the organization has expanded its impact, deepening its legacy as a platform for Hispanic artists and arts leaders. Through innovative initiatives like Instituto Coreográfico, the Hispanic Leaders Summit, and Diálogos, Ballet Hispánico has evolved into a premier center for artistic development and cultural discourse.
Ballet Hispánico is a global arts ambassador, having performed for over 2.5 million people across three continents. As we look ahead, we remain steadfast in our mission to nurture artists, teachers, students, arts leaders, and communities through the transformative power of dance.
The Company
Our nationally and internationally recognized Dance Company creates and performs work that explores the breadth of Latino cultural traditions and stories. Through bold and innovative productions, we continue to expand the platform for Hispanic artists to share their narratives as Latino Americanos. With a roster of world-class dancers, a state-of-the-art headquarters, and an unwavering commitment to artistic brilliance, Ballet Hispánico is globally recognized as the nation’s most prestigious representative of Hispanic culture in dance.
The School
Ballet Hispánico’s School of Dance attracts students from across the country, offering professional training that prepares dancers for careers on the world’s most renowned stages. Each year, many of our graduates go on to join our Company, second company BHdos, or other major dance institutions. Beyond pre-professional training, our diverse and culturally rich classes serve students of all ages, from early childhood to adults, welcoming dancers from our local neighborhoods and beyond.
Community Arts Partnerships
Our Community Arts Partnerships (CAP) program is one of the most respected and impactful in-school arts education initiatives in New York and beyond. Through innovative residencies and workshops, we bring the cultural richness of the Hispanic diaspora to communities across the U.S., using dance as a tool for education, expression, and empowerment. CAP delivers programming in public schools, community centers, senior centers, hospitals, and youth organizations, ensuring that dance remains an accessible and transformative force for all.
From our stages to our studios and beyond, Ballet Hispánico continues to be a catalyst for cultural exchange, artistic excellence, and community empowerment—proving that dance is not just an art form but a powerful language of connection and celebration.
"The vision of a Latina creating access to the arts for her community is nothing short of extraordinary. When reflecting on the generations of families, students, artists, and leaders whose lives have been shaped by Ballet Hispánico, one cannot help but marvel at the transformative power of such dedication. Tina Ramirez’s founding of Ballet Hispánico was not just an artistic endeavor—it was a groundbreaking commitment to ensuring that Hispanic culture and dance continue to thrive for generations to come." – Eduardo Vilaro
In the Press
“Both earthy and classically elegant” - The New York Times
“smashingly theatrical” - Chicago Sun Times
“a cutting edge crowd pleaser” - The Washington Post
“Ballet Hispánico delivers spirited fun.” - The Boston Globe
“Empowering voices the world needs to hear.” - Mackenzie Scott
“One of America’s Cultural Treasures.” - Ford Foundation