In the late ’60s and early ’70s, Tina Ramirez said many people didn’t notice or pay attention to the Hispanics in the United States. Ramirez set out to change that in whatever way she could.

At the time, she was teaching dance to students who didn’t have a real studio to dance in. She saw the talent and potential in the professional dancers, so Ramirez gave them just that.

“I said, ‘Why not?’ I was making their dreams come true. Many people didn’t know who Hispanics were then,” Ramirez said.

More than 30 years later, her company is growing each year. Ballet Hispanico travels around the world performing and teaching dance – as well as Hispanic culture – to students. The last time the company was in Ames was 1996. Six years later, the group’s newest tour will make its first stop in Ames Friday.

“For me it is like being invited into someone’s house,” Ramirez said of the opportunity to perform.

This particular ballet consists of three different sections, beginning with a solo entitled “Llamada,” which follows a woman through the different stages of life. The next section, a vibrant piece, portrays Mexican history. The final and longest section follows a group of Gypsies around the world as they search for a place to call home.

There are 12 total dancers in the performance who are mostly in their 20s and are from all over the world. Although the company deals with Hispanic culture, it is not necessary that the dancers are Hispanic.

“It’s about the people’s interest; we don’t stereotype,” Ramirez said.

The message behind the ballet and the company is what sets it apart from most company’s and performances. Ramirez’s assistant, Ben Stoddard, expressed this when he talked about adjusting to the company.

“I’ve learned so much artistically. I have an opera and music background and have learned so much about dance, visual art, studio and the culture.”

Ramirez has brought the culture out to the public and achieved so many of her goals by founding and continuing the work of Ballet Hispanico.

“It is a different dance company. We tell stories when we dance. We are not just ballet but we are modern and ethnic and all of the above mixed together,” she said.