Ballet Hispanico will open the 24th season of the Bowling Green State University Festival Series.

The performance is also part of the University’s celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month.

It is considered the foremost dance production representative of Hispanic culture in the United States. The company creates an image of the contemporary Hispanic world.

Ballet Hispanico is described as a fusion of ballet, modern dance and Latin dance. Their performance at the University will feature their newest production, “Nightclub.” The plot is set in the brothels of Argentina during the 1920s, the social clubs of Spanish Harlem in the 1950s and in today’s hottest clubs.

“I saw them when “Nightclub” was first being choreographed last winter. The dancers are fabulous and the show has wonderful choreography,” said Deborah Fleitz, director of Public Events for the Arts.

The dance company was founded in 1970 by Artistic Director Tina Ramierz. She also conceived the “Nightclub” production.

They have preformed for over 2 million people all over the world. They have appeared in such venues as the John F. Kennedy Center for Performing Arts and Houston’s Wortham Center.

They have also appeared on national television. Performances range from the “CBS Sunday Morning” show to the 1999 Hispanic Heritage Awards.

Their shows have ranged over the years. The company has performed more than 70 works that have been choreographed by people such as Alberto Alonso, Tito Puente and Ann Reinking. The Festival Series annually invites guest dance companies to perform. “This particular show should appeal to all age groups because of its sexy plot,” Fleitz said.

According to Miguelina Muniz, president of the Latino Student Union, the group truly speaks for Hispanic culture.

“We are privileged to have Ballet Hispanico on campus,” she said. “The contemporary dancing demonstrates our rich culture.”

Ballet Hispanico can be viewed tomorrow at 8 p.m. in Kobacker Hall.

Tickets, $30 and $38, are available by calling 372-8171.