Ballet Hispánico to Be Honored with Immigration Impact Award for Bringing Communities Together Through Culture

WASHINGTON—The American Immigration Council will honor Ballet Hispánico with its Immigration Impact Award on June 23 at the Gaylord Palms Resort & Convention in Florida.

The award—formerly known as the American Heritage Award—recognizes the talents, contributions, and accomplishments of immigrants and their advocates. The award will be presented during a celebration that highlights notable immigrants, national heroes, and unsung heroes like immigration lawyers.

“This year we are thrilled to commemorate Ballet Hispánico for its commitment to bringing communities together, connecting with them through dance, and creating a welcoming space where everyone can belong. By honoring Ballet Hispánico, we hope to highlight the critical value arts and culture play in connecting us,” said Jeremy Robbins, executive director of the American Immigration Council. “Ballet Hispánico is a catalyst for social change. For over 50 years Ballet Hispánico has provided a place of honor for the omitted, overlooked, and othered. Through its exemplary artistry, distinguished training program, and deep-rooted community engagement, Ballet Hispánico champions and amplifies Hispanic voices in the field.”

Ballet Hispánico is the largest Latinx/Latine/Hispanic cultural organization in the United States that brings communities together to celebrate the multifaceted Hispanic diasporas and the diversity of Hispanic cultures through dance. Ballet Hispánico was founded in 1970—at the height of the post-war civil rights movements by dance visionary and National Medal of Arts recipient Tina Ramirez. From its inception Ballet Hispánico focused on providing a haven for black and brown families seeking place and artistic sanctuary.

“We are so honored to receive the Immigration Impact Award from the American Immigration Council. The gift of this award recognizes and validates our Company’s ongoing commitment to uplifting the immigrant experience through dance, thus elevating and amplifying Latinx voices and shinning a light on the importance and power of immigrants in our communities,” said Eduardo Vilaro, artistic director and CEO of Ballet Hispánico.

Under the direction of Artistic Director and CEO Eduardo Vilaro, Ballet Hispánico is expanding, deepening the legacy of Hispanic cultures, and exposing the intersectionality and depth of diversity found in Hispanic cultural movements, such as dance. Vilaro’s vision has elevated a community from the margins to its place ingrained at the center of the American cultural landscape.

Tamia Santana, chief engagement and inclusion officer of Ballet Hispánico, will accept the award on behalf of the company.

In years past, the American Immigration Council has recognized the achievements of other outstanding immigrants and their advocates, including Carlos Santana, General Colin Powell, Sonia Nazario, Edwidge Danticat, Gerda Weissmann Klein, and others.

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For more information, contact:

Maria Frausto at the American Immigration Council at [email protected] or 202-507-7526.