Campos to host Ballet's Greatest Hits

Lissette Campos has been enchanted with the world of dance ever since she was a little girl.

ABC News reporter Lissette Campos
will host Ballet's Greatest Hits

“When you’re a child, and you hear the music and see the costumes, it’s all very magical,” said Campos.

Campos, an Emmy Award-winning ABC News reporter, will emcee Ballet’s Greatest Hits at the Straz Center this Saturday evening. Presented by Youth America Grand Prix (YAGP) and the Straz Center, this gala event will feature some of the world's top professional dancers.

Growing up in Miami, Campos developed a love and admiration for dance through the two daughters of her after-school caregiver. The two girls, Mable and Maribel Modrono, were like sisters to Campos. Both danced, and Campos watched them year after year in the Nutcracker, going from the small caterpillars to Clara. Both went on to become professional dancers, including several years with the Miami City Ballet and other professional companies.

“Watching them dance on stage, I felt so special that I knew someone who could create something that is so beautiful,” said Campos.

She is excited to host this weekend’s performance of Ballet’s Greatest Hits, not only because she loves dance, but also because she sees it as a special experience for the Tampa community.

“Any time you have an organization (like YAGP) that has different options around the world, and they select your community, it’s quite prestigious,” she said. “Couple that with the fact that our community has a chance to go to one place and see the best talent from all over the world. It’s a unique opportunity.”

For Campos, dance will always hold a special place in her heart.

“This friendship I had, hearing all their stories, of the rehearsals, even the names of the positions in French, it’s something I’ll never forget.”

Her experience is a reminder that, “each of us has the ability to create something beautiful.”

Ballet's Greatest Hits will be Sat., Jan. 5, 2013 at 8 p.m. at the Straz Center. For tickets, click here.