Promoted to Soloist:

Sara Esty (Photo © Leigh-Ann Esty)

Kleber Rebello (Photo © Kyle Froman)

Promoted to Corps de Ballet:

Andrei Chagas

Suzette Logue

Promoted to Company Apprentice:
Chloe Freytag
Lexie Overholt
Kara White

Welcome back Jeremy Cox!

Jeremy returns for Programs I and II as a principal dancer after performing in Paris with MCB.

New to MCB:

Shimon Ito joined the Corps de Ballet and danced with MCB in Paris. He joins us from Ballet San Jose.

Jonathan Batista – School Scholarship Apprentice
Jovani Furlan – School Scholarship Apprentice
Sara McCahill – School Scholarship Apprentice

Zoe began her Paris coverage recently in the studios with some pre-tour action.

Stay tuned for more!

Check out this video for some Halloween fun!

Go out and get your copy to find out how she and her sister Jeanette ended up working together at MCB, why Patty had a bone removed from her foot, and why Edward Villella thinks she’s perfect!

Added bonus: catch a glimpse of corps member Sara Esty in the “Step Up Your Training” piece to read about her experiences at Miami City Ballet School intensive programs!

Without further ado, here is the feature we’ve all been waiting for.

The holidays are certainly a stressful time of year! From shopping and cooking, to traveling and decorating, it’s easy to become lost in the whirlwind of activity that accompanies the Season. However, it’s important to remember that the holidays also represent a time to give thanks for the loved ones in our lives, as well as our health and well-being. In an effort to honor this most salient of holiday traditions, MCB took some time out on Tuesday, December 8th, to reach out to those in need of holiday cheer. Along with Meike Miniaci (MCB Board Member) and fellow MCB staff members Ailency Martinez and Kris Kramer (dressed as the Nutcracker Soldier), I spent some quality time with the Pediatric Hematology/Oncology patients of Chris Evert Children’s Hospital. With a bundle of complimentary Nutcracker tickets and an assortment of holiday gift bags in tow, our group had the privilege of spending an afternoon together with these truly amazing children. With their infectious laughter and wide smiles, these special kids reminded us that life is meant to be cherished and celebrated at every moment. And though they endure a daily struggle against a host of blood-borne cancers and other various diseases, their spirited nature tells a very different story.

Many thanks to the staff of the Broward Health Foundation and the Chris Evert Children’s Hospital for hosting MCB! It was an experience we’ll not soon forget. And a very special thanks to Meike Miniaci… without your generosity, none of this would have been possible.

The 1940s were a nostalgic time in American history that brought us D-Day, Betty Grable, WACs and the Andrews Sisters. For Fort Lauderdale philanthropist Rose Miniaci they are a Sentimental Journey.

Rose met, dated and fell head-over-heels for her late husband Alfred Miniaci. Sacrifices were made by many and when duty called, dating was put on hold. Listening to swing music allowed young women like Rose to pass the time while eagerly awaiting the return of their loved ones who were fighting overseas.

To pay tribute to those days of young love, big band sounds, and victory gardens, Rose Miniaci has generously underwritten Miami City Ballet’s production of Company B. The Paul Taylor masterwork is performed to carefree World War II hits by the Andrews Sisters contrasted with the melancholy realities of soldiers at war.

“I have such fond memories of those bygone days, as a young woman in love dancing the night away with Alfred in the dance halls and night clubs of New York City to the sounds of big bands and the Andrews Sisters. The music and beauty of Company B takes me back to those times.”

A pillar in philanthropic and social circles, Rose’s charitable heart is legendary. Her financial assistance runs the gamut from charitable and educational organizations to individuals, medical and philanthropic institutions, museums for the preservation of our history, countless charitable organizations, cultural charities, hospitals, religious, educational and scientific research, music and the arts. The scholarships she awards each year help students of all ages to excel and achieve success in what many thought was an impossible dream. Her generous donation to Nova Southeastern University contributed to funding the school’s Library Research and Information Technology Center and the Alfred & Rose Miniaci Performing Arts Auditorium.

“Rose has helped so many organizations in South Florida and we are so grateful for her support of Miami City Ballet and our season opener,” says Ana Codina Barlick, president of MCB’s Board of Trustees. “Her commitment, dedication and passion have made an enormous impact on MCB and our community.”

Miami City Ballet will perform Company B during Program I at Broward Center on November 6-8 and at Kravis Center November 20-22.