Apollo Theater to host ABT

It may not be exactly a Rose Adagio in Spanish Harlem, but American Ballet Theatre’s “Dance Arriba!” program in New York City on Jan. 27 will celebrate Latino culture by presenting highlights from the company’s classical and contemporary repertory far from its normal performing turf at Lincoln Center and City Center. The venue? Harlem’s Apollo Theater.

With Sonia Manzano (Maria from “Sesame Street”) as host, the performance will be a benefit for Casita Maria, the oldest settlement house serving the New York Latino community, and will feature a new tango-inspired ballet performed by the children of Casita Maria. Other repertory will showcase Ballet Theatre principals Paloma Herrera, Xiomara Reyes, Jose Manuel Carreno, Angel Corella and Marcelo Gomes.

Not dancing but present as honorees will be former company stars Lupe Serrano and Fernando Bujones. Ticket prices start at $25, but balletomanes with $250 can attend a reception and sponsor children’s attendance at the performance.

-- Lewis Segal