Press Release

MEDIA CONTACT:
Samantha Reichstein or Karen Watassek
713-632-8105 or karen@spahouston.org

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Ballet Hispanico
Returns to Houston with
CARMEN.maquia
Presented by Society for the Performing Arts
HOUSTON (9/22/2015) Americas leading Latino dance company, Ballet Hispanico, returns
to Houston to premiere its full-length work CARMEN.maquia, Saturday, Oct. 24, at 8 p.m. in
Jones Hall, presented by Society for the Performing Arts.
Immerse yourself in the love-triangle among a passionate gypsy, an army corporal and his
girlfriend as the enchanting story of CARMEN.maquia comes to life on stage. CARMEN.maquia
captures the historical movements of Spanish flamenco, as well as a modern fusion of
contemporary styles. Filled with physically-charged and sensual choreography, this piece reflects
the passion of each dancer on stage, while showcasing a riveting performance from start to
finish.
Choreographed Gustavo Ramirez Sansano, CARMEN.maquia is the troupes first full-length
narrative dance in its 45-year history. With a stunning set design by Luis Crespo and minimalist
black-and-white costumes by fashion designer David Delfin, CARMEN.maquia evokes the
paintings of Pablo Picasso throughout each performance. Adapted from George Bizets iconic
opera Carmen, CARMEN.maquia is a bold and electrifying reimagining of this tragic tale.
Founded in 1970 by Tina Ramirez, Ballet Hispanico has grown from its grassroots origins into a
world-class institution, recognized globally for its mission to explore, preserve and celebrate
Latino cultures through dance. Performing for more than two million people in the United States,
Europe and South America, Ballet Hispanico has a repertoire of over 75 works, and has
collaborated with 45 choreographers from around the world. Now under the artistic direction of
Eduardo Vilaro, the Company performs a diverse repertory by the foremost choreographers of
our time. Mixing Latin dance with classical and contemporary techniques, Ballet Hispanico
creates a new style of work that audiences have fallen in love with since the Companys
beginning.

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BALLET HISPANICO/ADD 2

Ballet Hispanico last performed its Night Club program in Houston in February of 2006.
Tickets for Ballet Hispanicos CARMEN.maquia range from $33-$103 and can be purchased
online at www.spahouston.org, by phone at 713-227-4SPA or at the courtyard level ticket office
at Jones Hall located at 615 Louisiana St. Hours of operation: 9 a.m.5 p.m. MondayFriday. For
groups of 15 or more call 713-632-8113. Prices are subject to change.
About Society for the Performing Arts
Founded in 1966, Society for the Performing Arts (SPA) is the largest independent non-profit
presenting organization in the Southwest. Since its inception, SPA has sponsored more than
1,000 performances of the worlds finest music, dance and theater events, in adherence to the
belief that the arts are fundamental to the overall enrichment and quality of life within the
community. In addition to presenting artists, SPA seeks to provide a variety of learning
experiences for adults and children through master classes, lectures and special student
performances, as well as build relationships between the performing arts and other interests
within the greater Houston area and throughout the state of Texas.

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