Upper West Side Block Gets Named For Local Latino Dance Company

UPPER WEST SIDE, NY — A street on the Upper West Side now officially bears the name of a Latino culture and dance organization.

The block between West 89th Street and Amsterdam and Columbus Avenue was designated "Ballet Hispanico Way," on Thursday in a bill passed by the City Council.

The ballet's building is located on the UWS block and has operated in the community for over 50 years.

"Ballet Hispánico brings communities together to celebrate and explore Latino cultures through innovative dance productions, transformative dance training, and enduring community engagement experiences," reads an About section on its website.

The organization focuses on providing a haven for Black and Brown Latino youth and families looking for artistic and cultural outlets.

Ballet Hispanico provides programs for kids, offers school day and after-school dance residencies, multiple workshops for adults and senior citizens, conversations with dance professionals, and more.

Its professional company also goes out on tour.

Eduardo Vilaro serves as the organization's artistic director and CEO, while Johan Rivera is the associate artistic driector.

You can learn more about Ballet Hispanico on its website.