29th edition of the International Ballet Festival of Miami beginning Friday, Aug. 2 through Sunday, Aug. 11 at various locations throughout the city.
The 29th International Ballet Festival of Miami begins its run Friday, Aug. 2 through Sunday, Aug. 11 at various locations throughout the city.
The events close with the Gala of the Stars at The Fillmore Miami Beach, where the yearly dance culture and criticism recognition will be given to Perfecto Uriel, from Spain’s Casa de la Danza and Danza en Escena magazine. And on the previous evening Valentina Kozlova, a Bolshoi and New York City Ballet principal emerita and more recently a sought-after educator, will receive the “A Life for Dance” award.
Mayuko Nijei and Eric Rodriguez of Compania Nacional de Danza-Mexico Theatre (Photo by Simon Soong/courtesy of Miami Hispanic Ballet/International Ballet Festival of Miami)
There are eight participating companies from abroad ranging from Uruguay and Brazil to Serbia and Romania. Compañía Nacional de Danza de México, on the roster since the start of the festival, will also return.
Joining the Latin Americans and Europeans, this edition will bring members of troupes from Milwaukee (a long-time and frequent presence), Pittsburgh and Kansas City. Performances by Jimenez’s Cuban Classical Ballet of Miami and Dimensions Dance Theatre of Miami and Arts Ballet Theatre of Florida will round out the offerings from locals, for a total of eighteen troupes on the main programs.
Mayuko Nijei and Erick Rodriguez of Compania Nacional de Danza-Mexico Theatre (Photo by Simon Soong/courtesy of Miami Hispanic Ballet/International Ballet Festival of Miami)
Eriberto Jimenez is the artistic director of the festival and has been a part of it since the beginning.
The Festival was founded by Pedro Pablo Pena in 1994 and was its artistic director until his death in 2018. Pena created three different ballet entities between 1983 and 2006. These include Creation Ballet (1983), Miami Hispanic Ballet and the International Ballet Festival of Miami (1994), and The Cuban Classical Ballet of Miami (2006).
Nicole Nathalia Duque and Andres Felipe Vargas of Compania Colombiana de Ballet Theatre (Photo by Simon Soong/courtesy of Miami Hispanic Ballet/International Ballet Festival of Miami)
In 2011, Pena oversaw the purchase of the property that houses the Miami Hispanic Cultural Arts Center, home The home to the Cuban Classical Ballet of Miami.
Each year, the IBFM hosts a thematic art exhibition inspired by dance, where selected artist(s) will display their works. These captivating pieces will be available for viewing Monday through Friday. This event is free and open to the public at the Miami Hispanic Cultural Arts Center, Southwest 5th Ave., Miami.
Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre's Hannah Carter and Lucius Kirst (Photo by Simon Soong/courtesy of Miami Hispanic Ballet/International Ballet Festival of Miami)
UPCOMING SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
- Friday, Aug. 2, 8 p.m.: “Contemporary Performance I” at Lehman Theater, located at the Miami Dade College North Campus, N.W. 27th Ave., Miami.
- Saturday, Aug. 3, 8 p.m.: “Contemporary Performance II” at Dennis C. Moss Cultural Arts Center, Southwest 211 St., Cutler Bay, Fla.
- Sunday, Aug. 4, 5 p.m.: “Contemporary Performance III” at Amaturo Theater, Broward Center, 201 SW 5th Ave., Fort Lauderdale.
- Saturday, Aug. 10, 11:30 a.m: "Ballet Master Classes," The Fillmore Miami Beach, 1700 Washington Avenue, Miami Beach.
- Saturday, Aug. 10, 8 p.m.: “Etoiles Classical Gala” at Fillmore Miami Beach Jackie Gleason Theater
- Sunday, Aug. 11, 5 p.m.: “Closing Gala of the Stars” at Fillmore Miami Beach Jackie Gleason Theater.
IF YOU GO:
WHAT: XXIX International Ballet Festival of Miami
WHEN: Friday, Aug. 2 through Sunday, Aug. 11
TICKETS: (Contemporary) $30, $35, $45; (Classical) $58.50, $70.50, $81.50, $91.50, $119.25, ticket prices vary based on time and location
INFORMATION: (786) 747 1877 or www.internationalballetfestival.org
