Esperanza Arts Center, in collaboration with Philadelphia Ballet, will present “Up Close”, an intimate and dynamic performance on January 31, 2026, at 3:00 p.m. The event is the sixth installment in an annual series designed to engage local communities — including Latino audiences — and is already sold out.

The performance will take place in Teatro Esperanza’s black-box theater, offering audience members a rare opportunity to see the dancers from just a few feet away.

This close-range setting fosters a deeper connection between performers and viewers, drawing audiences directly into the movement, emotion, and storytelling of the evening.

Philadelphia Ballet’s internationally acclaimed company includes a significant number of dancers from Brazil, Cuba, Spain, Mexico, and other countries — many of whom left their homelands to pursue their passion. During the event, several artists will share personal stories of passion, longing, struggle, and triumph.

“As a Spanish artist, I deeply understand the power of dance to connect cultures and bring people together,” said Ángel Corella, Artistic Director of Philadelphia Ballet. He added that Up Close is more than a performance:
“It is an opportunity to share the beauty and storytelling of ballet in an intimate setting, where audiences can truly feel the emotion and energy of the dancers. Ballet belongs to everyone. I am very grateful for the opportunity to connect with this community through the art that has shaped my life.”

Since its opening in 2018, Esperanza Arts Center has provided the residents of North Philadelphia with diverse artistic experiences from Latin America, the Caribbean, and around the world.

“We inaugurated Esperanza Arts Center and Esperanza Theatre in 2018 to create a platform to celebrate Latino artists and inspire future generations,” said Rev. Luis Cortés, Jr., Founder and CEO of Esperanza.

He noted that Philadelphia Ballet has become “an incredible collaborator” over the past five years:

“…they have brought outstanding performances to our stage and worked with students in our schools. This collaboration is a true example of what is possible when we share a common intention and ensure that everyone has access to the arts.”

The program will feature a curated selection of classical and contemporary works performed by Hispanic and Latino dancers, showcasing the grace, athleticism, and artistic excellence for which the company is known. A post-performance discussion with the artists and a reception for all guests will follow the show.
For more information, visit philadelphiaballet.org.