The dancers of Miami City Ballet did themselves proud performing an exciting and strikingly different choreographic work in the company’s Spring Mix program at the Kravis Center for the Performing Arts on March 23. Nestled between two more traditional-style works for the company to perform was the company premiere of visionary choreographer Alonzo King’s Following the Subtle … [Read more...]
‘Square Dance’ falls flat, but ‘Symphony’ soars in MCB’s season closer
What could be more apropos for Miami City Ballet than to finish off their performance season with a program that highlighted George Balanchine and Jerome Robbins? The strong performance on May 13 at the Kravis Center gave pause for reflection on the different styles of the two iconic choreographers. As usual, the company’s dancing was in top form in this last program, … [Read more...]
In MCB’s season-ender, couples, soloist Peters stand out
Miami City Ballet hedged its bets for the last program of season by presenting the world premiere of an elaborately ambitious collaborative work together with the company premieres of two acclaimed contemporary pas de deux and a dated repertory warhorse --- George Balanchine’s The Prodigal Son. It was an evening of strong performances by all the company dancers, but the … [Read more...]
Sumptuous ‘Firebird’ a treat at MCB
The central focus of Miami City Ballet’s Program Three, performed Feb. 21-23 at the Kravis Center for the Performing Arts, was concentrated on the brand-new staging for the newly acquired ballet Firebird. The production itself was visually resplendent with its translucent and mystical 3D special effects and its vibrant and rich costumes, sets and lights. It was a sumptuously … [Read more...]
MCB sparkles in Peck’s ‘Heatscape,’ Balanchine
It’s hard to believe the season is almost over. This past weekend, Miami City Ballet presented its Program Three at the Kravis Center and fast on its heels will be its final program, the full-length A Midsummer Night’s Dream by George Balanchine with music by Felix Mendelssohn, which will close out the company’s season in the Palm Beaches on April 4 and 5. Program Three was … [Read more...]
‘Concerto DSCH’ a spectacular MCB season sendoff
Alexei Ratmansky is undoubtedly the leading choreographer in the ballet world today, clearly poised to become the next Balanchine. So what better place was there to see one of his most acclaimed creations than on the quicksilver and ebullient dancers of Miami City Ballet? The centerpiece of the closing program of Miami City Ballet’s season was the third work that Ratmansky … [Read more...]
‘One Line Drawn’ marks exciting departure for MCB
When the curtain opened for Miami City Ballet’s world premiere of One Line Drawn at the Kravis Center on March 2, we immediately knew we were in for a complete change-up. There would be no tutus here. With what seemed to resemble five sets of blaring headlights (stacked on top of each other) shining directly in our eyes, the dancers entered – first one, then another and … [Read more...]
MCB closes season with lively, elegant Program 4
Miami City Ballet finished its season at the Kravis Center for the Performing Arts with Program Four — an upbeat and lively show — that presented two Balanchine works and a Paul Taylor work from its repertory. But it was the first work, Divertimento No. 15, performed with elegant and confident finesse, that was the true jewel of the evening. The 1956 work that George … [Read more...]
MCB’s new repertory pieces fall shy of troupe’s fresh commissions
Under the enterprising leadership of Artistic Director Lourdes Lopez, Miami City Ballet has pressed forward by adding three company premieres to the 2017 season. But the program at the Kravis Center for the Performing Arts on Friday night made one wonder if adding these old works — albeit new to the company — has merit, especially when Miami City Ballet unequivocally excels … [Read more...]