Eduardo Vilaro

Eduardo Vilaro is a Cuban-American dancer, choreographer, educator, and artistic director & CEO of Ballet Hispánico. He first joined Ballet Hispánico as a principal dancer in 1985, leaving for Chicago a decade later to further his education and found the Luna Negra Dance Theater, for which he was artistic director. He returned to Ballet Hispánico in 2009 as artistic director, the second since the organization's founding in 1970, His vision for Ballet Hispánico draws on the Latin dance traditions and educational outreach set forth by founder Tina Ramirez while responding to the more complex cultural landscape of the 21st century with a greater focus on diversity, inclusion, and community engagement.

Early life Born in Havana, Cuba majoring in dance under the direction of Norman Walker, right after graduating from Columbia College.

Leadership at Ballet Hispánico In 2009, Vilaro became the second artistic director of Ballet Hispánico, a New York-based, American dance company founded in 1970 by Tina Ramirez who served as its first artistic director. In 2015, he also assumed CEO responsibilities.

Over its history, Ballet Hispánico has performed for over 3 million people in 48 U.S. states and territories, 11 countries, and three continents. His local arts advocacy activities have included participation in public awareness campaigns and other community forums, such as #CelebrateImmigrants and New Yorkers for Dance. He has also served on grants panels for the National Endowment for the Arts and the New York State Council on the Arts; and arts advocacy as “everyone’s responsibility.”

Philosophy Vilaro’s philosophy of dance stems from a basic belief in the power of the arts to change lives, reflect and impact culture, and strengthen community. through which students, dancers, and audiences can initiate an ongoing conversation about the arts, expression, identity, and the meaning of community. In addition, Vilaro acknowledges the deep connections and contradictions inherent in Latin American history

Influences Vilaro cites the mentorship of his early teachers and Ballet Hispánico’s founder and first artistic director Tina Ramirez as seminal influences in his dance education. Choreographic influences include Alvin Ailey, Martha Graham, Nacho Duato, and Pina Bausch. 2017: Arts and Culture Pioneer of the Year, Hombre (magazine). 2016: Induction into the Bronx Walk of Fame, Bronx Borough President Rubén Díaz, Jr., The South Bronx Overall Economic Development Corporation and The Bronx Tourism Council. 2015: Arts Westchester “50 for 50” Recipient. 2003: Honored for choreographic work at Panama’s II International Festival of Ballet. 2001: Ruth Page Award for Choreography, Ruth Page Center for the Arts, Chicago, IL.

Selected Choreography

For Ballet Hispánico: Asuka, 2011. Danzón, 2013. Hogar, 2014.

For Luna Negra Dance Theater: Amor y Dolor, 1999. Ognat, 2000. Breath in Memory, 2001. Late…after Siesta, 2001. Guaci Guari, 2001. Vuelo del Alma, 2002. Tiburónes, 2002. Mujer Llorando, 2003. Angelitos Negros, 2004. Imperfect Partners, 2004. Cantos para un Noche Viajera, 2004. Vidrio, 2004. Quinceañera, 2005. Mi Corazon Negro, 2006. Cugat, 2007. Danzón, 2007. Deshar Alhat, 2008. Ton Ton, 2008. Bossa Nova, 2009.