Ballet Hispanico, Americas foremost Latin dance company, brings its brilliant celebration of Hispanic culture to the West Virginia UniversityCreative Arts Center on March 18. Showtime is 7:30 p.m. Tickets are on sale now.

Celebrated for its innovative repertory and sizzling artistry, the company embodies the vitality of Hispanic culture. Ballet Hispanicos distinctive blend of ballet, modern and Latin dance has dazzledmore thantwo million people, drawing capacity audiences across the country and internationally.

Acclaimed by critics, its repertory includes 75 original works from distinguished choreographers such as Ann Reinking and Graciela Daniele as well as emerging Latino artists like Alexandre Magno and Pedro Ruiz. Each work is inspired by an aspect of Hispanic culture and is set in a lively and colorful atmosphere that celebrates Latino heritage.

In addition to the companys touring performances, Ballet Hispanico offers a wide array of cultural activities developed through its award-winning educational division. The companys school, unique in its emphasis on ballet and Spanish dance as its core curriculum, annually provides 600 young people with the discipline, self-esteem and creative skills that will prepare them for successful careers in the performing arts or other demanding professions.

Ballet Hispanicos arts education division, Primeros Pasos, serves 18,000 students, teachers and audience members around the country each year with innovative programming that encourages their participation in the sheer joy of dance performance.

Established in 1970 by Tina Ramirez, the first Latina dance artist to receive the National Medal of Arts (2005), the company is now the foremost dance representative of Hispanic culture in the United States. The New York Times describes Ballet Hispanico asfeisty, elegant dancing.

Tickets are $28 and $30 depending on seat location and may be purchased at the Mountainlair and CAC box offices, online at ticketmaster.com or by phone at 304-292-0220. Tickets are also available at Giant Eagle at Mountaineer Mall and FYE in the Meadowbrook Mall.

The University Arts Series is produced by WVU Arts&Entertainment. For more event information, call 304-293-SHOW, or visithttp://www.events.wvu.edu/.