Monmouth University Center for the Arts and the largest Latinx/Latine/Hispanic cultural organization in the United States, Ballet Hispánico joined forces to bring an exclusive opportunity to Long Branch High School’s dance students. LBHS dance teacher Megan Ruland’s students were treated to a memorable masterclass led by Ballet Hispánico’s Associate School Director, Rodney Hamilton.

This educational initiative not only showcased the commitment of these two esteemed institutions to fostering the arts but also provided Long Branch High School students with a unique chance to learn from a professional in the field. Under the guidance of Rodney Hamilton, the young dancers had the privilege of delving into the fundamentals of Latin dance gaining valuable insights into the art.

The masterclass served as a perfect prelude to Ballet Hispanico’s highly anticipated mainstage performance at Monmouth University’s Pollak Theatre on October 14. It gave the students an enriched perspective on the world of dance, igniting their passion and furthering their dance education.

This collaboration beautifully underscored the power of the arts to inspire and nurture budding talent, and it exemplified the positive impact of partnerships between cultural institutions and schools. With this experience under their belts, the students were undoubtedly more than ready to appreciate the grace and brilliance of Ballet Hispanico’s performance at the Pollak Theatre, making it an unforgettable journey into the world of dance and artistry.