The Essence of Us: A Cuban Story

When visa barriers prevented Malpaso Dance Company from traveling to New York for the planned world premiere of Pedro Ruiz’s new work, the project became something equally revealing: The Essence of Us, a new documentary following Ruiz’s creative process in Havana, created by acclaimed filmmaker Nel Shelby in collaboration with cinematographer and editor Ashli Bickford. The program opens with a thrilling live performance by Ballet Hispánico New York, and continues with a post-performance Q&A and photography exhibition of Christopher Duggan’s photographs from the making of The Essence of Us, followed by Cuban music, drinks, and dancing, as Opening Night spills from the stage into a post-performance party for all.