VCU Dance opens 30th season with Ballet Hispanico

Mark Robinson
Assistant Spectrum Editor

VCU Dance is kicking off its 30th-anniversary season with two performances by the New York-based Ballet Hispanico.

The 40-year-old contemporary company will take the stage at the Grace Street Theater Sept. 23 and 24 at 8 p.m.; tickets are $20 or $10 for any student with a valid ID.

According to their website, Ballet Hispanico “explores, preserves and celebrates Latino cultures through dance.”

“Having a guest company perform adds to our prestige, adds to our visibility,” said Lea Marshall, assistant chairwoman of the dance department. “We appreciate the cultural diversity Ballet Hispanico promotes, and we feel it represents our student body well.”

Ballet Hispanico’s performance will feature a new piece by award-winning choreographer Ronald K. Brown. The work will delve into the similarities of the African and Latino Diasporas in the Caribbean and Latin America.

In addition to their performances, Ballet Hispanico will also lead a master class on Saturday morning that is sponsored by VCU Dance and hosted by the Richmond Ballet.

Though their partnership is a few years old, Marshall believes VCU Dance’s joint degree program with the Richmond Ballet is gaining prominence and leading to greater opportunities for dance students.

With more than 100 total dance majors, VCU Dance has achieved record enrollment this year, Marshall said.

She is optimistic that this season will reflect how much VCU Dance has grown since its inception 30 years ago.

“It’s a time to appreciate how far we’ve come and embrace the roots of our department, in terms of our commitment to creativity and striving for the continual growth of our students.”

For more information on VCU Dance’s upcoming events, visit their website at http://www.vcu.edu/arts/dance/dept/.