Ballet Hispánico announces The 55th Anniversary Emerald Gala honoring Henry R. Muñoz III with the Nuestra Inspiración Award on Thursday, May 29, 2025. The evening will begin with a reception and performance of CARMEN.maquia at New York City Center, W. 56th Street & 6 ½ Avenue, and continues with a tribute, dinner, and dancing at the Ziegfeld Ballroom, 141 54th Street, NYC.
Henry R. Muñoz III is an American business leader, Tony and Emmy winning producer, activist, designer and philanthropist. He has launched national movements on behalf of the underserved and the rising populations of the United States including Momento Latino, TheDream.US and Latino Victory to support the Latino community through awareness, educational funding, and electoral empowerment. But, at the core of his career, he is best described as the center of convergence across culture and industry: he existed as a DC changemaker able to float between political circles who recently transitioned his career and now owns a major comedy studio.
“As a lifelong supporter of the arts, I am thrilled to be part of Ballet Hispánico’s Emerald Gala. Their unwavering commitment to artistic excellence and bringing Latino stories to the stage is inspiring and essential. This honor represents more than just personal recognition; it’s a celebration of Latino artists, our rich culture, and the transformative power of the arts to shape our society and create understanding,” said Henry R. Muñoz III, Nuestra Inspiración Award Honoree.
“Ballet Hispánico’s Emerald Gala is both a celebration of Latine heritage and a testament to the pride and resilience that defines us. We look forward to an unforgettable evening where art and community unite,” said Eduardo Vilaro, Artistic Director & CEO, Ballet Hispánico.
“I know I speak for our entire Board in expressing how proud we are of all Ballet Hispánico has achieved in its 55 years. Our Gala will be a glorious celebration in support of this organization that has transformed the landscape of dance in America by reflecting the stories of diverse Latine cultures – including the breathtaking CARMEN.maquia featured this season — through world-class dance education and the introduction of new and innovative choreography,” said Kate Lear, Chair, Ballet Hispánico Board of Directors.
An exhilarating evening of dance, glamour, and culture in support of Ballet Hispánico’s Company, School of Dance, and Community Arts Partnerships programming, the evening begins with a performance in celebration of the 150th anniversary of Bizet’s beloved classic opera Carmen. Gustavo Ramírez Sansano’s full-length ballet CARMEN.maquia blends explosive choreography with deep emotion. Inspired by the Spanish art of tauromaquia, it captures Carmen’s raw power and passion through movement.
The Gala Dinner following the performance is a beloved New York event attended by some 500 leaders in the arts and business communities and is truly a spectacular evening filled with performances by the students from its School of Dance and live music by three-time Grammy Award Winner, Spanish Harlem Orchestra, that entices guests to take to the dance floor.
Table and ticket reservations include access to the pre-performance reception and performance at New York City Center, followed by dinner and dancing at the Ziegfeld Ballroom. Attire for the evening is creative black tie, and the theme is “A Night at the Tropicana.”
To reserve your table or ticket, please contact Jessica Ventura at jventura@ballethispanico.org or visit https://www.ballethispanico.org/support/events/2025-gala.
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