NY: Bessie Award Nomination for Jessica Alejandra Wyatt

BALLET HISPANICO

announces Bessie Award Nomination

for Company Dancer Jessica Alejandra Wyatt

for Outstanding Performer in Asuka by Eduardo Vilaro 

performed by Ballet Hispanico at the Apollo Theater

Ballet Hispanico, recognized as the preeminent Latino dance institution in the United States, announces a Bessie Award Nomination for company member Jessica Alejandra Wyatt.  Ms. Wyatt was nominated for a Bessie Award for Outstanding Performer (of a work that stretches the boundaries of a traditional or culturally specific form) for her performance in Asuka by Eduardo Vilaro, performed by Ballet Hispanico at the Apollo Theater.

Jessica Alejandra Wyatt received her training at The School of Oregon Ballet Theater under the direction of her mother, Elena Carter, and Cuban teacher Haydee Gutierrez. Ms. Wyatt was an apprentice with The Joffrey Ballet and a company member of Luna Negra Dance Theater. This is her third season with Ballet Hispanico.

Asukais a celebration of the music of Celia Cruz through the lens of the Latino experience. Cruz, renowned as the "Queen of Salsa," captured the heart of Latinos the world over and became a symbol of perseverance for many. Through rich imagery and humor, Eduardo Vilaro explores the struggles of departure from one's homeland and the exuberance of success experienced by a community. 

The Bessie Awards, or the New York Dance and Performance Awards, honor outstanding work in the field of dance, and advocate on the national and international stage for the extraordinary range of dance being performed in New York.  This year's awards ceremony will take place at the Apollo Theatre on Monday, October 15, 2012 at 8:00pm. Information about the 2012 Awards and Nominees can be found at http://www.dancenyc.org/resources/news.php?id=293.

ABOUT BALLET HISPANICO

Celebrating 42 years of dance and culture, Ballet Hispanico is recognized as the nation's preeminent Latino dance organization. Led by Artistic Director Eduardo Vilaro, Ballet Hispanico explores, preserves and celebrates today's Latino cultures through innovative artistic collaborations, world class dance training and national education and outreach programs. For more information, visit www.ballethispanico.org. Follow Ballet Hispanico on Facebook and Twitter.

EDUARDO VILARO joined Ballet Hispanico as Artistic Director in August 2009, following a 10-year record of achievement as Founder and Artistic Director of Luna Negra Dance Theater in Chicago. He has been part of the Ballet Hispanico family since 1985. As a dancer in the Ballet Hispanico Company, Mr. Vilaro performed works by Vicente Nebrada, Talley Beatty, Ramon Oller and other audience favorites. As an educator he assisted Ballet Hispanico founder Tina Ramirez in developing a program for children living in temporary housing and was involved with many aspects of the organization's education residencies.