A Guide to Attending a Splendid Ballet Performance Through the COVID-19 Pandemic

For anyone interested in a depiction of the history of the Mayan Empire performed through dance, the Latin Ballet of Virginia has the show to see. On November 7, 2020, at 7:30 p.m., ‘Enigmas de Nuestra Tierra’ will be performed in the Main Stage Theatre, in the V. Earl Dickinson Building on PVCC’s main campus. 

This showing will make “The legends of the Yucatan come to life, the home of an extraordinary culture that continues to fascinate more than a thousand years later,” according to the Fine Arts and Performance website. The show will play out the legends surrounding La Malinche, a native woman who aided in the Spanish conquest, the Mayan goddess of love, the Mayan people’s revolt against Europeans, and the “cult of the talking cross.”

The Latin Ballet of Virginia is an award-winning company and dance school based in Richmond, Virginia, known mainly for its technical moves, emotional depth, and details both in costume and video projections. Led by Ana Ines King, Colombian Native, Artistic Director and Founder, the studio combines classical ballet with contemporary ideas to appeal to audiences of all ages. King also includes folkloric form to address aspects of different backgrounds through a universal performance.

Even with the worldwide fear of COVID-19, the productions must go on. Seating will be limited to 20% capacity, which would be 100 individuals, so social distancing protocols can be strictly enforced. Face masks are required for entry and must be worn throughout the performance. With a chance at normalcy, this production has more COVID-19 procedures and information available at the time of ticket purchase, to ensure the safety of all participants.

According to the performance information on the PVCC website, “Tickets will be available at $15 for adults and $12 for seniors and students.” Following the show, there will also be an option to watch the performance remotely from the comfort of home with an archived video for $4. Tickets for the live performances should be purchased in advance at www.pvcc.edu/performingarts or by calling the PVCC Box Office at 434-961-5376. Located in the main building, the PVCC Cashier’s Office will also have tickets available during their business hours, Monday through Friday 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Depending on availability on the day of the ballet, tickets may be purchased at the PVCC Box Office located at the main entrance of the Dickinson Building.

Partially funded by the National Endowment for the Arts and the Virginia Commission for the Arts, the Latin Ballet’s production on November 7 will be an opportunity for the history of the Mayan Empire and Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula’s rich history to shine.