Ballet Hispánico, a renowned Latinx dance organization, is partnering with ¡Viva el Arte de Santa Bárbara!, an Arts & Lectures community arts program, for a two-month virtual residency, Jan. 26 through March 18

Recognized as one of America’s cultural treasures, Ballet Hispánico will teach 40 virtual workshops at three Santa Barbara County schools, serving more than 130 elementary to high school students as they explore cultural identity through the lens of Con Brazos Abiertos.

The workshops will culminate in a live virtual event sharing the process of the residencies with the school communities of Isla Vista Elementary, Kermit McKenzie, and Santa Barbara High School. 

A broadcast of Ballet Hispánico’s “En Familia” will be narrated by Eduardo Vilaro, artistic director and CEO, showcasing two full pieces of the company’s repertoire – “Con Brazos Abiertos” and “Club Havana.”

The program airs March 19-26 on the TVSB community channel to permit access to all, even those who may not have access to the internet. The audience could number as many as 100,000.

“We are thrilled to collaborate with ¡Viva el Arte de Santa Bárbara! again,” Vilaro said. “This partnership helps bring our teaching and performances to many communities lacking access to arts programming and in turn ignites cultural pride with a sense of belonging for those communities.

“Now more than ever, our presence and work with Black and Brown communities is essential.”

Participating students will be experience world-class choreographers and cultural contexts through the lens of Ballet Hispánico’s repertory, led by company dancer and teaching artist Laura Lopez.

Community Arts Partnerships (CAP) engage and enrich communities by providing educational programs that celebrate the authenticity of Latinx heritage, culture, and traditions.

Ballet Hispánico has developed new, engaging virtual programs to share the vibrancy of dance and Latinx culture with communities spanning all locations, age-groups, and abilities. Diversity, equity and inclusion are at the core of the group’s mission.

For more about Ballet Hispánico’s virtual programming, visit ballethispanico.org.