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Ballet Hispánico celebrates 150 years of Bizet’s Carmen with CARMEN.maquia

Ballet Hispánico CARMEN.maquia, photo credit Marius Fiskum

Ballet Hispánico, the nation’s largest Latine/x/Hispanic dance organization, presents Gustavo Ramírez Sansano’s masterwork CARMEN.maquia at New York City Center from May 29-June 1, 2025.

Led by Artistic Director and CEO Eduardo Vilaro, Ballet Hispánico offers “sleekly contemporary entertainment” (The New York Times), reimagining dance with vibrant works that defy tradition. The 2024/25 Season program celebrates the 150th anniversary of Bizet’s beloved classic opera Carmen with a reimagining of Gustavo Ramírez Sansano’s Picasso-inspired, contemporary version, CARMEN.maquia. 

The physically charged and sensual choreography fuses contemporary dance with nods to the Spanish paso doble and flamenco. Ballet Hispánico’s 55th Emerald Anniversary Season also features one of New York City’s favorite Gala Performances, the return of the wildly popular En Familia Matinee (featuring a mixed repertory program), where all seats in the house are $25 (fees included) at 2:00pm on May 31st.

“We are thrilled to celebrate 150 years of Bizet with our very own CarmenCARMEN.maquia is an essential piece of Ballet Hispánico’s repertory, and Gustavo Ramírez Sansano returns to the rehearsal room to update the work with our Company dancers,” said Vilaro. “A suspenseful, powerful, humorous work, this is a gorgeous and heartbreaking version of a classic story that will blow audiences away!”

Since her debut in 1875, Carmen has become a timeless cultural icon, inspiring generations of composers, choreographers, and writers to attempt to capture her elusive and alluring nature. Ballet Hispánico honors the powerful Spanish leading lady this season during its 55th Emerald Anniversary with Gustavo Ramírez Sansano’s electrifying CARMEN.maquia. One of today’s most sought-after choreographers, Sansano invigorates this timeless tale with an unrelenting energy that leaves you breathless. Highly original and full of explosive movement, CARMEN.maquia is a bold reimagining of this tragic story.

Join Ballet Hispánico for an exhilarating evening of dance, glamour, and culture in support of Ballet Hispánico’s Company, School of Dance, and Community Arts Partnerships programming on May 29th at 6:30 pm for their 2025 Gala. Table and ticket reservations include access to the pre-performance reception and performance at New York City Center, followed by dinner and dancing at the Ziegfeld Ballroom. To reserve your table or ticket, please contact Ellie Craven at ecraven@ballethispanico.org or visit https://www.ballethispanico.org/support/events/2025-gala.

Step into the world of Ballet Hispánico’s En Familia Matinee, where the whole family can enjoy a thrilling mix of dance, education, and interactive fun on May 31st at 2:00 pm! Guided by the charismatic Eduardo Vilaro, Artistic Director & CEO of Ballet Hispánico, this performance of short works across the Company’s repertory offers much more than a traditional show. With engaging historical and cultural insights into each work, Eduardo brings the dances to life, sparking curiosity and wonder in kids and adults alike. Plus, he’ll have everyone shimmying in their seats, learning moves right along with the performers! All tickets for En Familia Matinee are $25 (fees included) and are available here, thanks to the generosity of the RBC Foundation USA, the charitable arm of RBC Capital Markets, and New York City Center.

Tickets for all programs are on sale now and can be purchased online at NYCityCenter.org, by calling 212.581.1212, or in person at the City Center Box Office. New York City Center is located at 131 W 55th St between Sixth and Seventh Avenues.

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