Miami City Ballet to open season with new artistic director

After completing a tour in California, the Miami City Ballet (MCB) is celebrating its 40 years with a new artistic director and residence hall for promising ballet students from across the globe.

New artistic director Gonzalo Garcia steps into his leadership role this summer as the ballet moves into its fifth decade. As he begins shaping his vision for a fully curated 2026-27 season, Mr. Garcia says he plans to bring a fresh perspective and a deep appreciation for the company’s roots as he leads this year’s performances.

“The upcoming season is a vibrant reflection of MCB’s artistic identity – dynamic, diverse, and deeply connected to the community it serves,” he said. “I’m excited to see these programs come to life with our incredible dancers and to continue building on this inspiring legacy in the seasons ahead.”

Opening its season Oct. 17 with “Peck: Miami in Motion” at the Adrienne Arsht Center, the ballet is set to premiere performances by Alexei Ratmansky and Durante Verzola, to rhythms of Twyla Tharp, Justin Peck, Annabelle Lopez Ochoa, José Limón, Alonzo King, and holiday traditions from George Balanchine, and Paul Taylor.

In an expansion of its South Florida footprint, the ballet is launching a partnership with The Parker Playhouse in Fort Lauderdale. The performing art company will make its debut at The Parker with “Across the River of Light” starting March 7.

“This milestone season reflects the vibrancy of Miami City Ballet and its artistic excellence, its deep community roots, and its continued evolution,” said Jeff Davis, the ballet’s board chairman. “This anniversary year is a celebration of where we’ve been and the bright future we’re building together.”

The venue addition joins the company’s ongoing collaborations with the Adrienne Arsht Center, the Broward Center for the Performing Arts, and the Raymond F. Kravis Center for the Performing Arts.

“As we approached this milestone season, we took the time to truly listen to our audiences, our artists, and our community,” said Juan José Escalante, Miami City Ballet’s executive director. “What emerged is a season that radiates joy, celebrates creativity, and reflects the cultural richness of our city, all while strengthening the long-term vitality of the company. This refreshed lineup reaffirms our commitment to exceptional artistry in a way that is both sustainable and unmistakably Miami.”

Details: www.MiamiCityBallet.org.

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