Cuban-American choreographer Pedro Ruiz has made headlines in the New York stage these days. The five-main dance companies of this city performed for third consecutive year in a festival organized by the Lincoln Center. This institution asked Ruiz to create a piece that joined on stage dancers from the New York City Ballet and Ballet Hispanico for the first time.

The BAAND TOGETHER DANCE FESTIVAL, which came to life after the COVID-19 pandemic to engage audience again and promote different dance styles, took to the Lincoln Center stage dance companies of the caliber of the New York City Ballet, Ballet Hispanico, the American Ballet Theater, Alvin Ailey and Dance Theather of Harlem.

But the true centerpiece was the choreography authored by Cuban American Pedro Ruiz, from Ballet Hispanico, to join on stage dancers from this company with those of the New York City Ballet. It resulted in the world premiere of Pas de O´Farrill, which paid tribute the pianist and composer Arturo O’Farrill.

Ruiz was the second Latino chosen by Lincoln for this project, which last year went to Annabelle López Ochoa. He stated to the press that it was an honor to have successfully put forward this task and worked together with the New York City Ballet. The piece was very well accepted by the audience.

Pedro Ruiz has staged with several Cuban dance companies, with particular impact in the Contemporary Ballet of Camaguey, which premiered some of his dancing choreographies.

Translated by Sergio A. Paneque Díaz / CubaSí Translation Staff