BEAVER CREEK - The vibrant and colorful tradition of Mexican-Latin music, culture and dance will be on display Wednesday, as Ballet de Monterrey takes to the Vilar Center stage for a stirring Vail International Dance Festival performance.

Created in an effort to extend the horizons of art and classical dance within Mexico by president and founder Yolanda Santos de Hoyos, Ballet de Monterrey's history has been marked by the artistic growth of its dancers, the warm reception of the public and the resulting development of culture in Mexico's Nuevo Leon region.

Under the direction of Robert Hill, a former principal dancer with American Ballet Theatre, the company has greatly expanded its repertoire and begun to tour outside of Mexico.

The company will perform seven works at the Vilar Center, including "Carmen," featuring music that is known worldwide. "Ojala," featuring the songs of Mexican favorite Chavela Vargas and Big Band is a fresh and funny ballet inspired by the music of the 1940's Big Band era.

Since entering the world of dance, Hoyos has put forth a tireless effort to enrich Monterrey and its surrounding Nuevo Leon region through ballet education and performance, first through the introduction and mastery of classical repertoire and later, through more contemporary works infused with elements uniquely Mexican-Latin. This dedication, coupled with the collaboration with artistic director Hill, has led to the elevation of Ballet de Monterrey as one of the world's leading companies.

Tickets for Ballet de Monterrey are priced from $40-$55 and are available by calling 845-TIXS (8497), at either the Ford Amphitheater or Vilar Center box offices or online at www.vaildance.org.

The Vail International Dance Festival is presented by the Vail Valley Foundation. For more information, call 949-1999 or visit www.vvf.org.



Vail, COlorado