DDP Talks To Eduardo Vilaro (Artistic Director)

Ballet Hispánico

Pa’lante Scholars’ performance at Carnegie Hall Courtesy of Ballet Hispánico

In DDP’s previous interview with Ballet Hispánico, we discussed your Pa’lante Scholars Program, designed to mentor youth in the community by addressing the “full range of issues they face as low-income youth who are motivated to reach their dreams.” Since its inception, how have you tracked and reviewed the effectiveness of this program in reaching and discovering talented youth in the community? How has it evolved to meet the needs of local students?

The Pa’lante program is flourishing. Now in its fourth year, we have more than doubled attendance. The recruitment effort through marketing and word of mouth has been an important part of the success, along with great teachers and a curriculum based on repertory and real career experiences that support the growth in artistry of the young dancers. We track them by their acceptance to dance companies, dance organizations, and their continuation to higher learning. We are constantly developing ways to track and impact our community. As part of our strategic plan, we are engaging with our community through internal deep dives, and externally, via consumer research and branding exercises.

Pa’lante Scholars’ performance at Carnegie Hall Courtesy of Ballet Hispánico

Your website explains that this program removes “the financial burden often tied to professional development.” How do you continually support these scholarship dancers, not only in their early training but throughout their professional development? What are some specific examples of this program positively impacting local students and professionals, as well as the community at large?

Ballet Hispánico fundraises specifically for this program aside from general operating needs. This program is part of our annual gala where we make a direct pitch for our audience to give towards scholarships. At Ballet Hispánico we have general financial aid for all students that includes needs-based scholarships and merit scholarships. Then, we have the Pa’lante full scholarship program. One example from this program is our student Mia Bermudez who has been on scholarship in our school of dance since she was 10 years old. She went on to join the Pa’lante program and scholarship and is now a member of the Ballet Hispánico professional company. That is the impact. Since its founding, the Pa’lante program has elevated 5 dancers to the main company.

Finally, for a BIPOC organization, recognition and affirmation is crucial. The Pa’lante program has become a source of pride for the community and the field.

Pa’lante Scholars’ performance at Carnegie Hall Courtesy of Ballet Hispánico

Want to learn more about Ballet Hispánico and the Pa’lante Scholars Program? Visit their website here. View our previous interview with Eduardo Vilaro here.