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    In the U.S., Spanish classical and Flamenco dance exist in large, Hispanic-populated cities, such as New York, Miami, Chicago, and Los Angeles. The history of the company began in l979 when the artistic director moved to Louisville, KY from N.Y.C. and recognized the lack of a performing arts group reflecting Hispanic culture.  In association with the Louisville Classical Guitar Society, the Latin American Club, and the Jefferson County Board of Education, Ms. Bergere began performing as soloist and teaching Spanish dance. With her small core of local guitarists and dance students, Ms. Bergere shared her enthusiasm for Spanish dance with Louisville audiences in school auditoriums, outdoor festivals, and community centers.

    In l987 the Mara Bergere Ballet Español was renamed Ballet Español and incorporated as a non-profit professional dance company under the direction of Mara Berger Maldonado. Since that time, Ballet Español has brought this unique and beautiful artform to the citizens of Kentucky and surrounding states. We are the only Spanish dance company within a 250-mile radius of Louisville. We draw students, company members, and audiences from our four neighboring states: Indiana, Tennessee, Ohio, and West Virginia.
 
 

Current Season

• Our company now includes 10 dancers and 4 resident musicians
• We were awarded our first NEA grant
• Ms. Maldonado returns to the Atlanta Ballet for her third year as guest instructor
• Ballet Español was endorsed by the KAC to participate and perform at the Southern Arts Federation Conference in September
• Ballet Espanol is featured “IN PERFORMANCE” at the Governor’s Mansion in Frankfort, KY

Ballet Español gratefully acknowledges the Kentucky Arts Council
for its support of our 1998-99 season.