Conversations on Dance · Michael Sean Breeden & Rebecca King Ferraro

(443) Eduardo Vilaro, Artistic Director & CEO of Ballet Hispánico

·37 min·3 clips

Eduardo Vilaro reveals how Ballet Hispanico survived the pandemic and previews their reimagined Carmen.

This episode of Conversations on Dance features an interview with Eduardo Vilaro, the Artistic Director and CEO of Ballet Hispánico. Hosts Rebecca King-Ferraro and Michael Sean Breeden reconnect with Vilaro after a five-year gap. The conversation centers on the company's navigation of the COVID-19 pandemic, shifts in the dance world, and its 55th-anniversary celebrations. Vilaro recounts joining Ballet Hispánico as a dancer in 1985 after founder Tina Ramirez offered him a job following a single class. He describes becoming one of Ramirez's key collaborators, evolving into a teacher and developing community programs in homeless shelters and public schools. The discussion covers the company's upcoming New York City Center engagement from May 29th to June 1st. That engagement includes performances of "Carmen.maquia," a reimagined version of the Bizet opera choreographed by Gustavo Ramírez Sansano. The episode serves as a promotional platform, with the hosts directing listeners to nycitycenter.org for tickets. A notable insight is the direct and immediate nature of Vilaro's hiring, which highlights Tina Ramirez's decisive leadership style. His career trajectory from dancer to teacher to community program developer illustrates an organic path to artistic leadership. The episode frames the company's anniversary and City Center season as a significant milestone following a challenging period for the arts. The focus on a contemporary Latinx reimagining of a classic like "Carmen" underscores Ballet Hispánico's mission. The tone is warm, conversational, and promotional, reflecting the hosts' long-standing relationship with the guest. The style is interview-based, blending career retrospective with current company news. Listeners interested in dance leadership, Ballet Hispánico's history, or contemporary ballet adaptations would enjoy this episode. Those seeking deep critical analysis or technical dance discussion might find it too focused on institutional updates.

Listen to the show on

Apple Podcasts Spotify

Play clips from this episode More from Conversations on Dance