America’s leading Latino dance organization Ballet Hispánico, founded by National Medal of Arts recipient Tina Ramirez, presents Carmen.Maquia on Dec. 7–8 at New York City’s Apollo Theater. Created by Spanish choreographer Gustavo Ramírez Sansano, this ballet is a contemporary reimagining of Georges Bizet’s opera classic Carmen, blending dramatic narrative with vivid dance traditions.
First staged at the Apollo in 2014 as Ballet Hispánico’s first full-length narrative work, Carmen.Maquia fuses Spanish paso doble and flamenco elements with contemporary choreography. Sansano’s approach brings fresh emotional intensity and theatrical clarity to the familiar story, highlighting passionate movement, striking ensemble sections, and intimate duets that emphasize character and conflict.
Gustavo Ramírez Sansano has an extensive background in both European and international dance. He served as artistic director of Luna Negra Dance Theater from 2009 to 2013 and is the founder, alongside Veronica García Moscardó, of Titoyaya Dansa, established in Spain in 2006. He also works widely as a freelance choreographer, creating new pieces for major companies around the world.
Sansano’s choreography has earned significant recognition: first prize at the Ricard Moragas Competition in Barcelona (1997); the Prix Dom Pérignon Choreographic Competition in Hamburg (2001); and the Premio de las Artes Escénicas de la Comunidad Valenciana (2005). He has been commissioned by prominent companies including Nederlands Dans Theater, Compañía Nacional de Danza, Hubbard Street Dance Chicago, Luzerner Tanztheater, Ballet BC, The Hamburg Ballet, and Atlanta Ballet, among others.
The current production’s creative team supports Sansano’s vision with detailed, evocative design. Set design and construction are by Luis Crespo; costume design is by David Delfín, with costume construction by Travis Halsey and Diana Ruettiger; and lighting design is by Joshua Preston. Together they craft a theatrical environment that complements the choreography—enhancing mood, color, and movement while maintaining a clear narrative through-line.
Presented by Ballet Hispánico, Carmen.Maquia offers audiences a vivid, contemporary take on a beloved classic. The work highlights the company’s commitment to storytelling through culturally resonant movement and high production values, making the Apollo performances a notable event in the city’s dance season.