Ballet Hispánico will celebrate its 56th anniversary gala on April 23, honoring former U.S. Solicitor General Donald B. Verrilli Jr. and acclaimed choreographer Annabelle Lopez Ochoa.
The event features an opening night performance at New York City Center titled “MUJERES: Women in Motion.” The program exclusively showcases the work of Latina choreographers, including Cassi Abranches, Stephanie Martinez, and Lopez Ochoa, aiming to reframe Latino narratives through contemporary dance.
Verrilli will receive the 2026 Civic Inspiración Award. As the 46th Solicitor General under President Barack Obama, Verrilli argued landmark Supreme Court cases involving marriage equality and the Affordable Care Act. Organizers cited his dedication to civic leadership and inclusion as central to the honor.
Lopez Ochoa, a Belgian-Colombian choreographer, will be presented with the 2026 Artistic Inspiración Award. With a portfolio of works for nearly 90 companies worldwide—including the New York City Ballet and English National Ballet—she is recognized for her ability to blend emotional depth with architectural structure.
The gala performance includes the New York premiere of Abranches’ “Trança (Braid),” a contemporary exploration of Brazilian movement; Lopez Ochoa’s flamenco-inspired “Línea Recta”; and Martinez’s “Otra Vez, Otra Vez, Otra Vez,” a piece influenced by the works of Pablo Picasso.
Following the performance, the celebration will move to The Plaza Hotel for dinner and dancing. The evening will feature live music from the three-time Grammy Award-winning Spanish Harlem Orchestra and performances by students from the Ballet Hispánico School.
Founded in 1970, Ballet Hispánico has commissioned over 100 original works and is recognized by the Ford Foundation as one of “America’s Cultural Treasures.” It remains the largest Latino cultural institution in the United States.
Proceeds from the gala support the company’s performances, school, and community arts partnerships. Tickets and table reservations are available through the Ballet Hispánico website.
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