“No ballet by the 27-year-old choreographer Justin Peck is much like another; with each assignment he sets himself new choreographic hurdles. But Mr. Peck has quickly become the most eminent choreographer of ballet in the United States.”
By Alastair MacAulay
WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — No ballet by the 27-year-old choreographer Justin Peck is much like another; with each assignment he sets himself new choreographic hurdles. But Mr. Peck has quickly become the most eminent choreographer of ballet in the United States — and two particular characteristics have propelled him to the top: the exciting formal architecture of his dances and the kinesthetic thrill of his movement.
Rave reviews from critics and audiences alike!
This winter our dancers left behind the warm South Florida weather and headed to Canada for two weekends of special performances, first in Vancouver, British Columbia, and then in Ottawa, Ontario. This marks the Company’s first international tour since 2011.
In Vancouver, hosted by Ballet BC, the Company presented a full program of masterworks by George Balanchine at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre with performances of Serenade, Symphony in Three Movements and Ballo della Regina. The performances, which received high praise, marked the Company’s debut in Vancouver.
It must be a bit hard being the new kid in town, but Vancouver gave Miami City Ballet a warm welcome on the opening night of Balanchine.The evening, presented by Ballet BC, was an opportunity to not just witness renowned international talent, but also for audiences to experience the awe-inspiring choreography by the Russian-born “father of American ballet” himself, George Balanchine. Though Balanchine passed away in 1983, his work has continued to be produced in his legacy.
What is most exciting about Miami City Ballet’s package of Balanchine is that audiences have an opportunity here to see some exquisite and, in some cases, exclusive performances. The opening act of the evening, “Ballo della Regina”, is owned by Merrill Ashley, the ballerina that Balanchine choreographed this for personally. Luckily for Miami City and their audiences, Ashley has granted exclusive rights to this piece for them.
Jovani Furlan
When the curtain opens on Program III: Triple Threat next week, Miami City Ballet will become one of only two dance companies and the only American company to perform the Paul Taylor solo in Balanchine’s Episodes since New York City Ballet in 1986. Peter Frame — the last dancer to have performed this role and répétiteur for the solo at MCB — referred to it as a “lost work of art.” Now, 27 years later, dancer Jovani Furlan will be one of only a handful of dancers to perform this role. Here, he tells all about this rare and exciting opportunity.
Artistic Director Lourdes Lopez breaks down the ballets performed in our second repertory program of the season See the Music.
Make sure to catch this musically rich and visually stunning program at one of our three home venues:
Arsht Center, Miami: January 10-12
Broward Center, Ft. Lauderdale: January 24-26
Kravis Center, Palm Beach: January 31-February 2
Nothing brings in the holidays better than Miami City Ballet’s production of George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker™! With Thanksgiving just days away, here’s a special preview of the magic we’ll be making onstage to officially kickoff the holiday season. Enjoy!
Nicole Stalker
Our next opening night story comes from corps de ballet dancer Nicole Stalker, sharing her scariest, but most memorable opening night!
Artistic Director Lourdes Lopez shares the meaning behind First Ventures and why the first program of our 2013-2014 Season is not to be missed!
Begin your journey with Miami City Ballet by joining us for Program I: First Ventures!
Adrienne Arsht Center: Oct. 18-20
Broward Center: Oct. 25-27
Kravis Center: Nov. 15-17
Legendary Balanchine ballerina, Merrill Ashley, recently visited Miami City Ballet to teach our dancers the ballet that propelled her into stardom. For 10 days, she worked with the company on Balanchine’s Ballo della Regina — a work that he created on Ms. Ashley, herself. Principal dancer Tricia Albertson trained intensely with Merrill Ashely during her visit and shares her experience working with this Balanchine great here on our Blog!