Dear Miami City Ballet Friends,
It is with immense joy that I welcome you to our 2026/27 Season, one I have dreamed about for a long time and cannot wait to share with you! This is my first season fully curated as Artistic Director, and I am deeply honored to be leading this esteemed company.
So much about who I am and what I believe about this art form is woven into every moment of the repertoire. When I sat down to build the season, I kept returning to the idea of balance: new work from artists and collaborators who reflect our community, alongside grand narrative ballets that carry audiences on a storytelling journey. There came a moment in the process when it all came together, when I knew with certainty this was the one to bring before you. And yet I suspect none of us will fully grasp what we have built until it comes to life on stage, with dancers under the lights and the audience collectively responding as one.
I carefully chose every work for the experience it promises, and together they combine into a season rich with possibility. Christopher Wheeldon’s Alice in Wonderland is a production of considerable scale and enchantment, one that will delight audiences of all ages. The return of Jerome Robbins’ Opus Jazz also holds a particular significance for me. This classic is seldom staged beyond New York City Ballet, and it arrives in Miami for the first time with new costumes from acclaimed designer Zac Posen and Gap Studios. This rare and exciting collaboration adds Miami City Ballet’s unique flavor to this masterwork.
I am equally excited to present two world premieres from Patricia Delgado and Tiler Peck, two of today’s most sought-after choreographers, each shaped by a different background and speaking through their own distinctive artistic language. Work of this kind gives the company room to evolve, opening doors to new artists, ideas, and audiences.
These are only a few of the remarkable moments to look forward to. I hope you experience the full versatility of the season, one that moves in many directions and carries a distinct style at every turn. What I hope stays with you longest, though, is watching our dancers rise to every occasion. You will see them challenged in new ways, and that is part of what makes this year so thrilling to me.
I must also take a moment to express my heartfelt gratitude. The season exists because of everyone who helped bring it to life, and especially because of the artistic leaders and devoted individuals who have shaped Miami City Ballet’s history. We stand upon what they built, and as we carry that legacy forward, I find myself full of hope for what we will create next, together with you.
With gratitude and anticipation,
Gonzalo Garcia
Miami City Ballet Artistic Director
Dear Miami City Ballet Friends,
It is such a privilege to begin my tenure as Executive Director of Miami City Ballet as we embark on this extraordinary 2026/27 Season. From my first moments with the Company, I have been struck by its world-class artistry, dedicated dancers and staff and the depth of its impact—not only across South Florida, but throughout the ballet world. To join Miami City Ballet at this watershed time in its history is both an honor and an exhilarating opportunity.
Last season, Miami City Ballet celebrated its 40th anniversary, a milestone that invites both reflection and anticipation. For four decades, this company has built a storied history in our community while establishing an artistic reputation of uncommon global distinction. I am deeply grateful to all the artists, leaders, staff, supporters, and audiences whose vision and commitment have brought the company to this moment.
Now, an exciting new chapter begins. I am especially looking forward to working alongside Artistic Director Gonzalo Garcia as he brings his vision to life in his first fully programmed season with the Company. The breadth and depth of the season speak to his distinctive artistic perspective, bringing together iconic masterworks, celebrated choreographers and compelling new voices. From the enduring genius of choreographers George Balanchine and Jerome Robbins to the whimsy of Christopher Wheeldon’s Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, to the talents of Miami native and former principal dancer Patricia Delgado and New York City Ballet’s Tiler Peck, this season reflects both the legacy upon which Miami City Ballet was built and the future it is poised to embrace.
We’re also very pleased to present the return engagement of Alexei Ratmansky’s critically acclaimed Swan Lake. At the heart of everything we do – is you. Every aspect of Miami City Ballet should feel experiential, unique and memorable. This season, we’ve taken an important first step by reimagining our ticketing services as the Guest Experience, a meaningful change that reflects our commitment to placing our patrons at the heart of all we do. We want every interaction with Miami City Ballet to feel personal and worthy of the unmatched artistry on our stages.
This season, I’m also looking forward to discovering more of the exceptional cultural life of South Florida. This is one of the world’s most energetic and rapidly evolving regions, a place that has welcomed people from across the world. That international connectivity is part of what makes the area’s character so unmistakably ‘Miami,’ and Miami City Ballet is a direct reflection of this dynamic region we call home.
Thank you for joining us in our next chapter. I look forward to meeting you, welcoming you to the theater and sharing this spectacular season of dance with you.
Sincerely,
Scott Altman
Executive Director
Allegro Brilliante
Choreography by George Balanchine
© The George Balanchine Trust
Music by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky
Costume Design by Karinska
Lighting Design by Brandon Stirling Baker, after the original
George Balanchine described Allegro Brillante as containing “everything I know about classical ballet — in 13 minutes.” Set to Tchaikovsky’s Piano Concerto No. 3, the work is a dazzling display of speed, precision, and musicality, showcasing the athleticism and artistry that define Balanchine’s neoclassical style. Brimming with vibrant energy and virtuosic movement, Allegro Brillante remains one of the choreographer’s most beloved masterworks
Original production generously underwritten by Richard, Peter, and Mark Steinberg in honor of Rose Tuffias Steinberg
The performance of Allegro Brillante, a Balanchine® Ballet, is presented by arrangement with The George Balanchine Trust and has been produced in accordance with the Balanchine Style® and Balanchine Technique® service standards established and provided by the Trust.
Company Premiere
N.Y. Export: Opus Jazz
Choreography by Jerome Robbins
Music by Robert Prince*
Lighting Design by Brandon Stirling Baker
Original Lighting Design by Jennifer Tipton
Costume Design by Zac Posen For GAPSTUDIO
Staged by Jean- Pierre Frohlich
Created in 1958, N.Y. Export: Opus Jazz captures the youthful energy of New York City through Jerome Robbins’ unmistakable blend of ballet and everyday movement. Set to Robert Prince’s jazz-infused score, the work celebrates individuality, friendship, and the rhythms of urban life. This “ballet in sneakers” exudes understated bravado and a communal spirit. The work comprises distinctive vignettes, with dancers taking turns to step forward into the spotlight much like soloists in a jazz ensemble. A landmark collaboration with Zac Posen, an internationally acclaimed fashion designer and Creative Director of Gap, brings modern silhouettes to this iconic ballet
*Music performed with permission by The Estate of Robert Havey Prince
N.Y. Export: Opus Jazz performed by permission of The Robbins Rights Trust through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI) www.mtishows.com.
World Premiere
Push the Buttons of the Civilized
Choreography by Patricia Delgado
Music Composed by Emily Estefan
Orchestral Arrangements by Gary Sheldon
Lighting Design by Brandon Stirling Baker
Costume Design by Karen Young
Former Miami City Ballet Principal Dancer Patricia Delgado returns to create her first work for the Company, bringing her distinctive artistic voice to Miami audiences. She teams up with fellow Miamian Emily Estefan, an award-winning composer and lyricist and daughter of producer Emilio Estefan and the Cuban singer Gloria Estefan. The work features music from Emily Estefan’s debut album, performed live onstage by Estefan herself. Known for her expressive musicality and contemporary perspective, Delgado’s highly anticipated world premiere celebrates both her South Florida roots and the next chapter of Miami City Ballet’s artistic evolution.
* indicates Miami City Ballet School Alumni
EXECUTIVE LEADERSHIP
Gonzalo Garcia, Artistic Director & MCBS Chair
Scott Altman, Executive Director
ADVANCEMENT
Dena Liston, Vice President of Development
Orene Tross-Harris, Senior Director, Major Gifts
Heather Rush, Director of Special Events
Michele Scanlan, Director of Foundation and Government Relations
Lee Eachus, Associate Director of Foundation and Government Relations
Samantha Hurwitch, Associate Director of Individual Giving – Palm Beach
Allyson Levin, Major Gifts Officer
Masha Enriquez, Manager of Special Events
Giana Ruffa, Executive Assistant of Advancement
ARTISTIC AND MUSIC
Roma Sosenko, Principal Rehearsal Director
Tricia Albertson, Rehearsal Director
Joan Latham, Rehearsal Director
Arnold Quintane, Rehearsal Director
Jessica Perez, Company Manager
Gary Sheldon, Principal Conductor and Music Director
Francisco Rennó, Company Pianist
Leana Reisman, Company Class Accompanist
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
Brenda Alba, Director of Community Engagement
Norma Fuisting, Community Dance Education Programs Manager
Arts in Education Teaching Program
Teaching Artists and Musicians
Kassie Abreu, Matthew Aubeuf, Brianna Bascle, Efrain Chibas, Bradley Dunlap, Mauricio Gutierrez, Nuria Martinez, Eugenio Moleiro, Anastasiya Perelaika, Rilanty Septiantari, Rae Wilcoxson, Timia William
FINANCE AND OPERATIONS
Ainsworth Geddes, Chief Financial Officer/Vice President of Finance
Lina Aguirre, Senior Director of Human Resources
Carlos Lopez, Finance and Donor Systems Manager
Marisa Rios-Lopez, Payroll Manager
Joy Stanfield, Human Resources Assistant and Office Manager
John Colon, Staff Accountant
MARKETING AND COMMUNICATIONS
Tom Michel, Vice President of Marketing and Communications
Mary Landreth, Senior Director of Marketing and Business Development
Ali Castro, Director of Marketing
Joshua Wickard, Director of Audience and Ticketing Services
Katharine Baines, CRM Operations Manager
Isabella Grocelli de Oliveira, Content and Media Manager
Kaitlin Duffy, Creative Services Manager
Mina Rhee, Senior Production Designer
Ari Feldmiller, Resident Multimedia Artist
Ezra Hurwitz, Creative Consultant
Ron Roberts, Creative Direction Consultant
Billy Zavelson/Richard Kornberg & Associates, General Press Representation
GUEST EXPERIENCE AND PATRON SERVICES
Joshua Wickard, Director of Guest Experience and Patron Services
Ashley Arvizu, Mari Rivero, and Rachel Weiss | Audience Services Representatives
PRODUCTION
TECHNICAL
Kelly Brown, Director of Production
Bailey Kirk, Assistant Stage Manager
Brian Harris, Head Carpenter
Nicanor Smith, Properties Master
Shane Cassidy, Head Electrician
Elvin Thomas, Assistant Electrician
Sean M. Deceunick, Sound Engineer
James Sampedro, Assistant Carpenter/Flyman
Gary Darling, Properties Assistant
Wilmer Arellano, Projection Operator
In memoriam Richard Carter
WARDORBE
Ricardo Asturias, Wardrobe Master
Eleanor Wolfe, Wardorbe Consultant
Natalie Axley, Wardrobe Mistress
Ibis Hernandez, School Wardrobe Mistress
Julia Villalobos & Alberto Fages, Stitchers
Helen Cave, Shoe Inventory Assistant
Carol Raskin, Hair & Makeup Artist
In memoriam Jennifer Conrad
MIAMI CITY BALLET SCHOOL
Arantxa Ochoa, School Artistic Director
Cameron Basden, School Managing Director
Jessica Bork, School Operations Manager
Manon Maher, Pre-Professional Division Manager
Vanessa Haro, School Programs Manager
Lyndall Vickers, Housing Manager
Dana Balsley, Residential Coordinator
Rachel Abelenda, Sydney Merritt, Carmen Ramos | Front Desk Receptionists
Margarita Armas, Kareen Pauld Camargo, Katia Carranza, Alexander Iziliaev, Claudia Kuwana, Michaela Mann, Rosa Mercedes, Maribel Modrono, Nicole Oñate, Herman Payne, Renato Penteado, Africa Ramirez, Rilanty Septiantari, Chase Swatosh, Durante Verzola, Leslie Young| Permanent Faculty
Marianela Castro, Juvenal Correa-Salas, Gladys Fariñas, Vivian Gonzalez, Yraima Menendez, Teresa Valdivia | Pianists
PROFESSIONAL CONSULTANTS
Lisa Berg, Esq. — Stearns Weaver Miller, et al, P.A. Employment and Labor Law
Glenn Rissman, Esq. — Stearns Weaver Miller, et al, P.A. Immigration Law
Robbins and Moroney, P.A. Auditor
MEDICAL PROVIDERS
Dr. Lily McCrossin, PT, DPT, Lead Physical Therapist
Dr. Kathleen Davenport, MD, Company Physician
Dr. Steven David Steinlauf, MD, Foot and Ankle Orthopedic Specialist
Alexis Somoano, LMT, Jill Davidson, LMT, Massage Therapists
Dr. Bethany Cook, PT, DPT, SCS, CSCS, Physical Therapist
Chase Swatosh, NASM Certified Personal Trainer, Strength and Conditioning
Maria Vallasciani MS, RDN, LD, RN, CNSC, IBCLC, CSSD, Dietitian
Dr. Scott Leydig, Psy. D. Sport Psychologist
Jeffrey Davis, Chair
Charles Adelman
Scott Altman, Ex Officio
Jill E. Braufman
Veronica de Zayas, Esq.
Alex DiLeonardo
Anthony Di Resta
June Yee Felix
Robert Friezo
Gonzalo Garcia, Ex Officio
Bruce Halpryn, Vice Chair
Maria Hernandez, Ex Officio
Kristi Jernigan
Susan D. Kronick
Allen London
Manny Marquez, Ex Officio
Saul Sanders, Treasurer
Michael Schultz
Barbara Sullivan
Charmaine Waterfield
J. Randall Waterfield
Sara Minskoff Allan
Toby Lerner Ansin, Founder
Tatsiana Ansin
Cherie Balena
Robert Chaskes
Lester Coney
Philip DeBoer
Susan Fox-Rosellini
James Freeze
Dan Gelber
Dini Albert Golden
Janine Gordon
Kathy Guttman
Elissa Kramer
Ana Martin-Lavielle
Elinette Ruiz-Diaz de la Portilla
Sara Solomon
Elizabeth "Zibby" Tozer
Andrea Virgin
Suzy Wahba
Gail Wasserman
Diana S.C. Zeydel
Ana-Marie Codina
Mike Eidson
Ron Esserman*
Robert Gottlieb*
Jacqueline Kott*
R. Kirk Landon*
Gerri LeBow*
Rhoda Levitt
Rita Stein*
John Vogelstein
* In Memoriam
Major funding for Miami City Ballet provided by the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation, the Arison Arts Foundation, and The Ansin Foundation. Miami-Dade County support provided by the Miami-Dade County Department of Cultural Affairs and the Cultural Affairs Council, the Miami-Dade County Mayor and Board of County Commissioners, with support from the City of Miami Beach Cultural Affairs Program, Cultural Arts Council, and the Miami Beach Mayor and City Commissioners. Sponsored in part by the State of Florida through the Division of Arts and Culture and the National Endowment for the Arts.
The John S. and James L. Knight Foundation has been a generous supporter of Miami City Ballet with over $17.9 million in cumulative giving since the company’s founding.
Dive into Push the Buttons of the Civilized with Choreographer Patricia Delgado
A Film by Ezra Hurwitz