The sixth annual celebration of America’s Hispanic Heritage — the 2021 AL DÍA Archetypes event — will see 10 outstanding Hispanic professionals be honored with the 2021 Ambassador Manuel Torres Award.

The honorees will be distinguished across 10 categories. They are: public service, non-profit, education, corporate, entrepreneurship, sports, performing arts, philanthropy, media and health.

This year, the honoree in the performing arts category will be Ángel Corella, Philadelphia Ballet Artistic Director. He has been in the role since 2014. 

Corella is regarded as one of the finest dancers of his generation. His talent, passion and technique has made him a worldwide name, and has established him as one of the most recognizable in the world of dance. 

He originally joined American Ballet Theatre in 1995, and quickly rose up the ranks as principal dancer. Throughout his career, he has performed in a number of iconic roles, including Prince Siegfried in Swan Lake, Romeo in Romeo and Juliet, and the Nutcracker Prince in The Nutcracker.

His talents have also resulted in receiving numerous awards, such as 1st prize in the National Ballet Competition, the Prix Benois de la Danse and the National Award of Spain. 

From 2008 to 2014, Corella served as director for his own company, the Barcelona Ballet (formerly the Corella Ballet). It was the first classical ballet company established in his native country, Spain, in 20 years. 

Corella is also a passionate teacher and mentor to young professional dancers, having taught at various summer programs, as well as lead dance schools. It’s the same passion and insight he uses now in his role with the Philadelphia Ballet. Under his leadership, Philadelphia Ballet has developed a unique artistic identity that is anchored by world-class productions of all-time classics, modern masterworks, and bold contemporary ballets that exemplify the dynamic nature of the artform.

During Hispanic Heritage Month in September, Corella will be honored as the 2021 AL DÍA Archetype: Ambassador Manuel Torres Award in the category of performing arts. He will join Damian Rivera, Nathalie Rayes, Noe Ortega, Alejandro Bedoya, Pedro Ramos and Yvette Peña as seven of 10 honorees at this year’s event. 

The remaining honorees will be announced in the coming days ahead. 

The 2021 AL DÍA Archetype Hispanic Heritage Gala & Awards Ceremony is set for Friday, Sept. 24, 2021 at the Union League of Philadelphia. To reserve your seat at the premier celebration of America's Hispanic Heritage, click here.