The National Association of Latino Arts and Cultures will honor Ballet Hispanico founder Tina Ramirez at the 2012 NALAC Conference in Philadelphia, PA at the Loews Hotel. In recognition of her award, Ballet Hispanico will present Ms. Ramirez with a performance of A Verme at the conference on Friday, October 19, 2012 at 8:00pm at the Penn Museum, 3260 South Street, Philadelphia, PA. A Verme is a duet choreographed by Edwaard Liang and set to “Tro, The Tree’s Sacrifice” by Ezio Bosso. Costumes for this work are by Diana Ruetigger and the piece will be performed by Ballet Hispanico dancers Vanessa Valecillos and Jamal Rashann Callender. “I am thrilled for the opportunity to honor Tina Ramirez with a performance in recognition of this well-deserved award,” said Eduardo Vilaro, Artistic Director of Ballet Hispanico. “The exceptional legacy of her vision allows Ballet Hispanico to continue to grow and prosper.” The National Association of Latino Arts and Cultures has selected Ms. Ramirez as one of four 2012 NALAC Lifetime Achievement Honorees. Every two years, NALAC recognizes the commitment and contributions of individuals in support of artists and the field of Latino arts and cultures. The NALAC Lifetime Achievement Award is NALAC’s highest honor. The honorees will receive a special reception and medal at the 8th National NALAC Conference in Philadelphia. “It is so humbling and uplifting to honor Tina Ramirez who is both a trailblazer and a legend. She made room for Latinos in the national dance landscape and created a home and institution so that generations of dancers can be trained and realize their dreams. She made great change and NALAC is proud to celebrate her as one of the many stars in the Latino constellation of artists,” said Charles Rice-Gonzalez, Board Chair of NALAC The National Association of Latino Arts and Cultures and Executive Director of BAAD! The Bronx Academy of Arts and Dance. In addition to the 2005 National Medal of Arts, Ms. Ramirez has received countless awards and honors in recognition of her work, including the Dance Magazine Award, the Hispanic Heritage Award for Education, Capezio Dance Award, NYS Governor's Arts Award, and the NYC Mayor’s Award of Honor for Arts & Culture.