Miami City Ballet’s 40th Anniversary Season is more than a milestone—it’s a moment of transformation.
What began as a bold dream has become a vibrant, visionary company shaping the future of dance in South Florida and beyond. This season honors where we’ve been and leaps toward what’s next—with groundbreaking world premieres by Alexei Ratmansky and Durante Verzola, three thrilling works by Justin Peck, an encore of Annabelle Lopez Ochoa’s Carmen, timeless masterworks by George Balanchine, and sparkling audience favorites like Jewels.
Celebrate 40 years in motion. Subscriptions to the 25/26 Season are on sale now!
Peck: Miami in Motion
October 17-19
This high-octane program celebrates the magnetic style of Tony Award-winning choreographer Justin Peck—where ballet meets pop, pattern and pulse.
In Year of the Rabbit, sweeping ensembles create a kaleidoscope of movement, set to Sufjan Stevens’ electrifying score. Chutes and Ladders, a playful duet created for MCB, reveals the music’s inner rhythms through crisp, inventive choreography. And Heatscape, Peck’s love letter to Miami’s Wynwood District, bursts with color, speed and the heat of a flirtatious chase set against a bold backdrop by artist Shepard Fairey. Stylish, kinetic and unmistakably Miami—this program moves.
George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker®
December 12-28
Miami’s sweetest holiday experience!
George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker® returns to transform the Magic City into a holiday adventure like no other—this is your passport to magic. The festive fun begins the moment you arrive: an immersive pre-show experience welcomes you to the Land of Sweets, setting the stage for an unforgettable journey you’ll cherish year after year.
Then, the real magic takes flight. Over 100 dazzling dancers, a live orchestra and stunning stagecraft bring the magic of Tchaikovsky’s beloved score to life. Picture swirling snowflakes, the shimmering Sugarplum Fairy and a tropical take on wintertime wonder—all unfolding in a burst of color and joy. And yes, even in sunny South Florida, we make it snow!
This is the holiday tradition you can’t miss—sunshine, sparkle and spectacular performances, only in Miami.
Into the Magic City
February 20-22
And a celebration of our Founder, Toby Lerner Ansin
Step into the bold, electric heart of Miami with a program that honors our origins and celebrates the vibrant spirit of the city we call home.
George Balanchine’s timeless masterpiece Serenade opens the program with sweeping grace and emotional depth – an audience favorite that has shaped MCB’s artistic heart. A powerful world premiere by Alexei Ratmansky pays tribute to Miami City Ballet’s visionary founder Toby Lerner Ansin, blending tradition with fresh creativity.
This is Miami magic—rooted in history, alive in the present and soaring into the future.
Carmen
March 26 and 28
Back by popular demand, Annabelle Lopez Ochoa’s fiery Carmen returns for an encore that’s bold and unforgettable.
This powerful production brings fresh perspective to the iconic tale, blending classical ballet with flamenco flair and Ochoa’s signature and sensual theatricality. Set to a rich new arrangement of Bizet’s beloved score, Carmen commands the stage with passion, power and a heroine who owns her story. Fierce, fearless and captivating, Carmen is back.
Jewels
March 27-29
Enter a world of glamour, elegance and pure delight in George Balanchine’s Jewels, a three-part visual feast of color, light and musicality.
Emeralds shimmers with French romanticism, set to the dreamy melodies of Fauré. Rubies crackles with jazzy energy and wit, driven by Stravinsky’s bold rhythms. And Diamonds dazzles with sweeping Tchaikovsky, bringing the evening to a radiant and refined close.
Three distinct gems. One legendary masterpiece. This is Balanchine brilliance at its most radiant.
¡Vamos! To the Beach
May 1-3
Catch the ultimate summer vibe in this exhilarating season finale, brimming with sun, sand and style.
Paul Taylor’s Company B kicks things off with swing, sass and the irresistible harmonies of The Andrews Sisters. It’s an all-American dance party with vintage flair. Durante Verzola’s world premiere, set to Gershwin’s effervescent score, brings bold elegance to the stage. Art deco cool meets contemporary style in a creation as vibrant and free-spirited as Miami. Twyla Tharp’s iconic Deuce Coupe closes the program with an explosion of Beach Boys tunes, blending ballet with laid-back West Coast vibes that’ll make you feel like you’re riding the waves.
Fun, fresh and completely unforgettable, this program is the ultimate beach day, bottled up and brought to life.
*Company Premiere
**World Premiere
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