Ballet Hispánico Summer Programs for Early Childhood June-August 2024

Ballet Hispánico School of Dance announces its 2024 summer programs for early childhood, with registration available now! The Early Childhood Program at Ballet Hispánico is a dynamic fusion of creativity, cultures, and technique that goes beyond dance, providing a holistic approach to skill development. The Ballet Hispánico School of Dance has multi-cultural and multi-disciplinary training with world-renowned dance professionals for dancers of all ages in a fun and supportive environment where students can enhance their dance and fitness skills.

Los Explorers: Early Childhood Program (Ages 3-6)

Week-long Camps | June 24 - August 2, 2024

Los Explorers Camps are the passport to discovering Latino cultures. Campers will have fun moving their way through varied and diverse dances, songs, artwork, and landscapes, while traveling through Cuba, Spain, Puerto Rico, Brazil, Peru,, and Mexico. This is the perfect adventure camp for both boys and girls — join us for this multi-sensory journey of the rhythms, stories, and wonders of these featured countries! All camps are 5-day weeks except Spain, which runs July 1 - 3, 2024 and concludes July 5, 2024 (no classes July 4). Registration for the week of Spain is separate from other weeks. For more information and to register, visit ballethispanico.org/school/summer-programs/los-explorers.

Cuba • June 24 - 28, 2024

Come explore Cuba's broad variety of landscapes and animals, from Viñales in the western part of the country to Guardalavaca Beach in eastern Cuba! Salsa through the streets of Santiago de Cuba and spin and leap through the Great Theatre of Havana, where the Cuban National Ballet performs.

Spain • July 1 - 5, 2024

Discover interesting facts about Spain’s geography, history, food, and famous citizens while learning about its culture, art, and festivals. Explorers will be mesmerized as they step into the world of Spanish Dance, moving to the beautiful sounds of the guitar, the rhythmic quality of the palmas and zapateado, and working with the Spanish fan.

Puerto Rico • July 8 - 12, 2024

Adventure to Puerto Rico and learn the boricua way of life! Discover some of the most vibrant and captivating places in the world, from the bioluminescent Mosquito Bay, to the tiny coqui frogs of the El Yunque rainforest. Explorers will dance through the streets at the Fiesta Nacional de la Danza, and follow the drums as they move to the beat of the Bomba.

Brazil • July 15 - 19, 2024

Join in the festivities at Rio de Janeiro’s famous Carnaval! Explorers will craft their own masks as they dance to the lively beats of Samba music and discover the Capoeira. Investigate the exotic plants and diverse mix of animals in the Pantanal, the largest freshwater wetland in the world.

Peru • July 22 - 26, 2024

Come investigate the rich history of Peru: home of the ancient Incas and Machu Picchu, and some of the most diverse ecosystems, flora, and fauna, including llamas! Handmade art and textiles will inspire Explorers as they craft their own. They will twirl in the Valicha and dance with a partner in the Marinera.

Mexico • July 29 - August 2, 2024

Discover the wonders of old and new Mexico, from the mysteries of Aztec and Mayan ruins to the current lives of modern Mexicans. Adventure through the Lacandón rainforest, the raw, untamed beaches of Costa Maya, and experience the bustling energy of Mexico City. Explorers will clap to the beat of the Jarabe Tapatio and as they delve into the art, music, and dances that shape everyday life in Mexico.

The Ballet Hispánico School of Dance is a leading center of excellence in dance education—serving over 1,000 students and celebrating more than 50 years of dance and culture—and offers accessible, high-quality dance training to students of all levels ages 2 through adult. Accredited by the National Association of Schools of Dance, it empowers students by offering a holistic approach to movement discovery, including pre-professional training and classes for the novice dancer.

The Ballet Hispánico School of Dance is the direct link to the organization's values of access, opportunity, and pride for all students interested in dance and Latine/x/Hispanic culture. VIP Discount pricing available for all Summer Programs for students who register and pay in full before April 1, 2024. Registration closes June 1, 2024. The School also offers merit and need based scholarships. For more information and to register, visit ballethispanico.org/school/summer-programs or email school@ballethispanico.org. Campers must meet the age requirement of 3-6 years old by June 1, 2024. For any questions or concerns regarding the age requirement, please reach out to Early Childhood Programs Advisor, Georgina Greenleaf, at ggreenleaf@ballethispanico.org.

“At Ballet Hispánico, we’ve dedicated more than 50 years of service to making dance education accessible to our communities,” said Michelle Manzanales, Director, School of Dance, Ballet Hispánico. “Our mission to provide world class dance training and art making for dancers of all ages is deeply intertwined with our passion for lifting up our students and artists. We take pride in the fact that our mission and art is rooted in cultural representation, authenticity, and expression. More than simply dance education, we work to support the development of overall life skills: the ability to access joy, own and express one’s individual voice, tackle decision-making, thrive in teamwork, and truly understand hard work and its rewards.”

Ballet Hispánico is the largest Latinx/Latine/Hispanic cultural organization in the United States and one of America's Cultural Treasures. Ballet Hispánico's three main programs, the Company, School of Dance, and Community Arts Partnerships bring communities together to celebrate the multifaceted Hispanic diasporas. Ballet Hispánico's New York City headquarters provide the physical home and cultural heart for Latinx dance in the United States. It is a space that initiates new inclusive cultural conversations and explores the intersectionality of Latine cultures. The Ballet Hispánico mission opens a platform for new social dialogue, and nurtures and sees a community in its fullness. Through its exemplary artistry, distinguished training program, and deep-rooted community engagement, Ballet Hispánico champions and amplifies Latine voices in the field. For over fifty years Ballet Hispánico has provided a place of honor for the omitted, overlooked, and othered. As it looks to the future, Ballet Hispánico is pushing the culture forward on issues of dance and Latine creative expression.