Miami City Ballet

We've been watching this dance company ever since we moved to south Florida, a gazillion years ago, back when Edward Villella could still jeté across the floor. He has built this internationally-bred company into a world-class dance experience. They're a little top-heavy on Balanchine (not always a bad thing), with lots of Twyla Tharp thrown in. She sometimes comes to the shows in Ft. Lauderdale and watches from the aisle seat in about the 12th row. Especially if she's just taught them The Golden Section from The Catherine Wheel. I hadn't seen it for a few years and it was just spectacular last week. Here, you could see that the Miami Herald thought about it. And what the guy at the NY Times thought when the company came to town (hint: they killed).

Villella does a pre-show chat before each performance, where he explains what you'll see, what to look for, what he was thinking, and what Mr. B was thinking when he choreographed the piece. It's living history, so I always try to ask him a question. He's getting older now and we hope the company keeps on keepin' on. They had to cut some dancers due to lack of funds, and they've been dancing to pre-recorded music for a couple of years now. I read that someone has underwritten the orchestra for next season. I like to donate money for toe shoes several times a year. Maybe you want to also. Go here now and buy some shoes.