MCB Insider | Miami City Ballet

Remembering MCB School Days – Nicolas

Post by Nicolas de la Vega, Los Angeles Ballet

I trained at the MCB School from 2007 through 2009. It was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. It was my first time living away from home and my first time ever being taught by Carter Alexander and Geta Constantinescu. Their classes were not only challenging but got me to push myself in a way that I had never been pushed before. They taught me so many things, from improving technique, to musicality, and to making every movement more and more interesting. Having that and watching the very talented Miami City Ballet perform was all very inspiring! I had the privilege of dancing the lead role in George Balanchine’s Valse Fantaisie for the Student Showcase. I had an amazing time rehearsing this ballet and getting such great input from my teachers and even Edward Villella to help improve my performance. After the last show I felt very accomplished and proud of myself for working as hard as I did. I was able to show both my teachers and the audience why I love to dance. Having not met Carter and Geta, I would not be where I am today. Thank you MCB School for giving me such a great experience!

Nicolas de la Vega in Western Symphony. Choreography © George Balanchine © The George Balanchine Trust. Photo courtesy of Nicolas de la Vega.

Remembering MCB School Days – Kara

Post by Kara White, MCB Corps de Ballet

Some of my favorite memories from the School are of the preparation for the Student Showcase. Every dancer puts so much energy and focus into the program and all that hard work pays off when you finally perform! As a MCBS student, you get the opportunity to perfect each movement and you learn something new every day to help you grow as a dancer. I personally loved performing the principal role in Square Dance during the Showcase. It is one of the greatest performing experiences and memories I have as a dancer.

Kara White and Andrei Chagas (as MCB School students) in The Four Temperaments. Choreography by George Balanchine © The George Balanchine Trust. Photo by Alexandre Dufaur.

Remembering MCB School Days – Jessica

Post by Jessica Shults

I look back on my MCB School days with the fondest of memories, and a huge amount of gratitude for the wonderful growth and opportunity I was allowed to experience there. I joined the School in its inaugural year. I was 11 and had just been dancing in Boston over the summer with my aunt. She was also a dancer who actually had performed on the Boston Ballet stage with Edward Villella in her youth. She told me that “Eddie Villella was opening a company school and that I had to go there”- so I did.

Jessica Shults as a MCB School student.

We were still in the MCB studios on Lincoln Road back then and I loved every moment! We would take classes with the Lincoln Road crowd staring in and then finish up the day by running over to Granny Feel Goods or the Cuban Café on the corner for eats. I have always said that the very best part of the School was being able to study alongside the Company. I would peek into the doorway everyday and watch Company rehearsals or Edward teaching class. I gained so much by just observing and I also figured out pretty fast that there wasn’t anything more that I wanted to do than dance with those incredible dancers and work for that amazing, charismatic director. When I was just 16 I auditioned for the Company. My teachers told me to go for practice so that I would be ready for the real thing the following year when I graduated. Soon after the audition I was called into Edward’s office and asked to join the Company on tour to the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta! I left his office trembling, went downstairs to my friends, and broke down in tears. They thought something was wrong but I was just so overwhelmed with happiness and excitement! The following year I finished my senior year dancing with the Company as an apprentice and continued on to dance for the next 10 years with those very dancers and director that I had admired so much. I am so honored to have had all the opportunities that both the School and the Company provided for me and grateful to both Edward and Linda for their commitment to building such a fine and exceptional arts organization here in Miami, my home.

Jessica Shults © Lucrecia Diaz

Jessica continues to be part of the Miami City Ballet family as a member of MCB’s Upper Room — the Company’s young professionals group.

The 2012 Student Showcase is May 18-20! Click here for more information.

Remembering MCB School Days – Jeanette

With the Miami City Ballet School Student Showcase just around the corner, some MCBS alumni are reminiscing about their days at the School. Did you train at MCBS? Share your memories with us by emailing amartinez@miamicityballet.org and you can end up on our blog!

Don’t miss the ballet stars of tomorrow at Miami City Ballet School Student Showcase – May 18-20.

Post by Jeanette Delgado, MCB Principal Dancer

I came to MCB School at 9 years old and grew up loving and learning all about ballet! I am now a principal dancer with the Company. I wouldn’t be the dancer I am today without the encouraging and nurturing environment that Edward and Linda Villella created at their school! We were part of a family, and it wasn’t until my first class back after a summer program at American Ballet Theatre that I felt nervous it would all change. I was 16 years old and I remember walking into a familiar studio and seeing lots of unfamiliar faces! It was shocking, exciting and nerve wrecking all at the same time. It was the first time a group of students from all over stayed after the summer program to study here for the year! There were some changes — but they were all good! I remember being inspired right away and feeling like I was part of the beginning of something great! Now I realize the best part of that experience was that the place I always loved and felt comfortable at, grew and became more professional without losing the friendly and supportive environment that felt so special!

Jeanette Delgado as a student at MCB School.

A view of Coppélia

MCB closes the 11-12 Season with the romantic comedy Coppélia this weekend at Kravis Center. Get a glimpse of the charm that has already captivated audiences in Miami and Fort Lauderdale — or if you’ve already seen it, reminisce about these delightful moments!

Becoming Dr. Coppélius

One of the best parts of performing a story ballet, such as Coppélia, is getting into character with the help of scenery, costumes, and makeup! Since we don’t have anyone in the company who’s quite the age of Dr. Coppélius, we count on the expertise of our makeup guru, Carol. She transforms our dancers!

Get a sneak peek of Carol working her magic on principal soloist Didier Bramaz.