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— And will soon provide $12M for Infrastructure Improvements from the 2022 Voter-Approved General Obligation Bond —
Celebrated international artist Gonzalo Garcia will join Miami City Ballet this month as only the company’s third artistic director as the City of Miami Beach recently took the wraps off dormitory-style housing options for ballet dancers in the Collins Park Artist Workforce Housing project at Collins Park ahead of the company’s milestone 40th season.
Gonzalo Garcia, whose 25-year resume includes prestigious runs with the San Francisco Ballet and New York City Ballet as principal dancer, replaces Lourdes Lopez, who stepped down after the company announced its next season.
“I am energized by the opportunity to lead Miami City Ballet at this dynamic moment,” said Gonzalo Garcia. “Miami is barreling into the future with unparalleled momentum. It’s a city simmering with creativity, diversity, and rich cultural exchange — I intend to channel that electricity into every fiber of Miami City Ballet. My goal is to continue honoring the company’s impressive legacy, while igniting new vibrancy and excellence. I’ll champion new voices and ideas alongside beloved masterworks and build bridges between artistic innovation and audience connection. Ballet can soar when it’s both brilliant and inclusive, with one foot rooted in tradition and the other leaping into the future.”
In collaboration with development partner Servitas and the Miami City Ballet, the City of Miami Beach celebrated the grand opening of The Anamar at Collins Park (224 23 St.) in May. Based on an innovative financing model, Miami Beach will retain ownership of the multistory building at the end of the lease term or the satisfaction of debt payments on the property, whichever comes first. The Anamar will house up to 30 of the company’s ballet dancers during the school year — with that number being able to double over the summer — along with Miami Beach artists, teachers and government employees who meet the building’s financial eligibility requirements based on the area median income.
“Miami City Ballet is a cultural institution we’re proud to support — for its artistic excellence and roots right here in Miami Beach,” said Miami Beach Mayor Steven Meiner. “By investing in workforce housing and infrastructure upgrades, we’re helping Miami Beach residents — including our artists, teachers, veterans and public employees — live and thrive in the city they serve.”
In further support, the Miami City Ballet will soon receive $12 million from the 2022 voter-approved general obligation bond for facility-wide infrastructure upgrades and technology enhancements that will ensure the long-term sustainability of this state-of-the-art dance facility and significantly elevate the visitor experience. Enhancements to the Wolfson 200-seat theater will increase access to high-quality cultural arts programming and education, with capabilities to record and live-stream performances and programs to Miami Beach residents and audiences far beyond.
Founded in 1985 by Miami philanthropist Toby Lerner Ansin, Miami City Ballet has grown into one of the nation’s premier ballet companies. The Miami City Ballet School, the official school of the ballet company, is among the top training academies in the country.
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About Miami City Ballet
Founded in 1985 by Miami philanthropist Toby Lerner Ansin, Miami City Ballet has grown into one of the nation’s premier ballet companies. Its artistic leadership has included Founding Artistic Director Edward Villella (1985–2012), Lourdes Lopez (2012–2025), and current Artistic Director Gonzalo Garcia. Renowned for its vibrant dancers, distinctive repertoire, and dynamic performances rooted in the legacy of George Balanchine, the company performs for nearly 125,000 audience members annually and tours both nationally and internationally. The Miami City Ballet School, the official school of MCB, is among the top training academies in the country, offering exceptional instruction and granting more than $650,000 in scholarships each year. MCB’s community engagement programs reach approximately 20,000 people annually, using the power of dance to uplift and inspire. The company is based in Miami Beach, FL, at the Ophelia & Juan Js. Roca Center, a facility designed by the world-renowned architectural firm Arquitectonica.
