Ross Kramberg Named Executive Director of Ballet Hispanico

Ross Kramberg, a seasoned arts administrator with a strong focus in dance, has been named Executive Director of Ballet Hispanico, the nation's preeminent Latino dance organization.

Mr. Kramberg spent 22 years at Paul Taylor Dance Foundation, serving as Executive Director for 12 of those years. He has also held positions with Jacob's Pillow Dance Festival, Joffrey Ballet and Brooklyn Center for the Performing Arts.

"Ross has a distinguished record of accomplishments in the dance world and we are thrilled to have him join our visionary Artistic Director Eduardo Vilaro in charting the course for Ballet Hispanico well into the future," said Kate Lear, Chair of the Ballet Hispanico Board of Directors. "The Board of Ballet Hispanico could not be happier and we look forward to partnering with Ross to build on an extraordinary foundation. From our record-setting gala, to the unveiling of Eduardo's first piece for Ballet Hispanico, to the on-going development of our own School of Dance and the expansion of our educational outreach programs, we are primed to become a major cultural connector in a world with an ever-increasing Latino demographic.'

Mr. Kramberg began his career at Paul Taylor as Tour Manager and was promoted through several key positions before becoming Executive Director. Among the major initiatives realized during his tenure were the establishment of the Second Company, Taylor 2; the Paul Taylor Repertory Preservation Project; and major touring projects including groundbreaking month-long tours of India and China and numerous tandem tours by the PTDC and Taylor 2. He was instrumental in producing the Academy Award-nominated documentary film, Dancemaker. Working closely with the Paul Taylor Board of Directors, Mr. Kramberg oversaw the company's elimination of an accumulated deficit and the growth of the annual budget from $2 million to $5 million.

"Ballet Hispanico is a remarkable organization that has made a substantial impact on dance and culture in New York and across the country," Mr. Kramberg stated. "I see unlimited potential for Ballet Hispanico under the innovative artistic direction and leadership of Eduardo Vilaro. The opportunity to work with him, with the dedicated professional staff and dancers of the company, and with the dynamic board of directors led by Kate Lear, is very exciting to me. I also look forward to working with colleagues throughout the field to honor, strengthen and expand support for Ballet Hispanico."

"I am thrilled for the opportunity to partner with such a gifted executive director who will provide long-term structure and administrative expertise as we work together to grow the company," said Eduardo Vilaro, Artistic Director of Ballet Hispanico. "Ross' leadership will help me build upon the exceptional legacy of Tina Ramirez's vision. I am energized by the creative possibilities our partnership will bring to Ballet Hispanico."

Mr. Kramberg succeeds Helene Blieberg, who has been serving as Interim Executive Director during this transition. He begins the week of September 17, 2012.