Ballet Hispanico will use its unique brand of dance to explore and celebrate Latino cultures when it performs at 8 p.m. Oct. 17, at the Brooks Center for the Performing Arts.

Recognized for her achievements by the National Medal of Arts, the nation’s highest cultural honor, Tina Ramirez founded Ballet Hispanico in 1970. From its grassroots origins as a dance school and community-based performing arts troupe, the organization has grown into a world-class institution.

The ensemble will explore the diversity of Latino culture through a fusion of classical, Latin and contemporary dance. Ballet Hispanico’s choreographers represent a multitude of nations, including Venezuela, Cuba, Trinidad, Puerto Rico, Mexico, Spain, Brazil, Argentina and Colombia.

Tickets are $20 for adults and $10 for students. Tickets and information are available at www.clemson.edu/Brooks or by calling the box office at 864-656-7787 from 1 to 5 p.m. Monday-Friday.