92nd Street Y to premiere Cuban dance documentary

The 92nd Street Y in New York will host the world premiere of the documentary ‘The Essence of Us’ (Nuestra Esencia) on September 19, 2026. Directed by Nel Shelby with cinematographer Ashli Bickford, the film documents the creative process of choreographer Pedro Ruiz and the Malpaso Dance Company in Havana.

Originally intended as a live stage performance in New York, visa restrictions prevented the dancers from traveling. In response, 92NY supported a film crew traveling to Cuba to capture the project, focusing on themes of resilience and identity.

The event, which serves as the inaugural function for the Harkness Dance Center’s ‘Home: Departure and Return’ season, will also feature live performances by Ballet Hispánico New York. The program includes tributes to Cuban and Cuban-American choreographers, featuring works by Eduardo Vilaro and Marianela Boán, alongside Pedro Ruiz’s ‘Guajira’.