Ballet Hispánico at The Apollo Theater

Ballet Hispánico presents three works that reflect on the migrant experience, the tragedy of marginalization, and the triumph of the human spirit, including “Bury Me Standing” by Spanish choreographer Ramón Oller.

Bury Me Standing

• By Ramón Oller, 1998. Watch preview.
• The unique culture of the Gypsy or “Roma” people, a marginalized community that has journeyed across continents for thousands of years, inspired Spanish choreographer Ramón Oller to create Bury Me Standing. The compelling rhythms and melodies which accompany the ballet reflect the emotional essence of the Roma: their strong communal bonds, sensuality, feelings of oppression and longing, and their strength and exuberance.

Espiritu Vivo

• By Ronald K. Brown, 2012.
• Espiritu Vivo explores the intersection of the African and Latino diaspora in the Caribbean and Latin America. Using narrative, tradition, and dance forms from these regions, the work explores the stages of grief after tragedy: the news, prayer, spring and new day.

Con Brazos Abiertos

• By Michelle Manzanales, 2017. Watch preview.
• In her first work for Ballet Hispánico, Michelle Manzanales explores with humility, nostalgia and humor the iconic Mexican symbols that she was reluctant to embrace as a Mexican-American child growing up in Texas. Intertwining folkloric details with a distinctly contemporary voice in dance, set to music that ranges from Julio Iglesias to rock in Spanish, Con Brazos Abiertos is a frank look at a life caught between two cultures.

Both evenings end in a post-performance artist talkback with choreographers Ronald K. Brown and Michelle Manzanales moderated by Ballet Hispánico Artistic Director & CEO Eduardo Vilaro.