EDWARD VILLELLA / FOUNDING ARTISTIC DIRECTOR

Nancy Abbott & The Herman Abbott Family Foundation

		The Herman Abbott Family Foundation is dedicated to improving communities and the lives of those who live within them. Nancy Abbott is an active officer of the foundation named after her late father and is committed to giving back to her community out of a spirit of responsibility. Over the years, some of the efforts she has helped lead through the foundation include women’s and children’s causes, and the arts. “I am proud to support Miami City Ballet,” said Ms. Abbott. “Sharing the arts with South Florida means a great deal not only to me, but also to the legacy of my father.” Nancy and The Herman Abbott Family Foundation generously supported an additional performance of Romeo and Juliet in Miami-Dade during the Ballet’s 25th Anniversary season. This year, they are proud to be among the sponsors of Liam Scarlett’s world premiere ballet Viscera.

Toby Lerner Ansin

		Without Toby, Miami City Ballet literally would not exist. “Looking back, I can hardly believe that my dream has flourished into the reality of a major ballet company,” she says. As Edward Villella’s greatest supporter, she galvanized community support, assembled the original board of trustees and focused on fund-raising and public awareness. Anyone who knows Toby, knows her unbounded energy and determination; yet, Ansin notes, “None of this would have been possible without the support of community leaders like Charlie Cinnamon and Robin Reiter-Faragalli, or the hard work of the company’s presidents, from Stuart Danoff to Jim Eroncig.” Ansin feels incredibly privileged to have helped Edward achieve his vision. “From the pointes of my toe shoes, I want to thank everyone from the season subscribers to our most generous donors, such as Ophelia and Juan Js. Roca, and the government funders who have shown such confidence in us, especially the City of Miami Beach, which provided us with our home for these 26 years. Together, we all have created an extraordinary company, whose performances touch the hearts of audiences worldwide.”

Bacardi

		Since its inception in Santiago de Cuba in 1862, Bacardi as a company and as a family have always been very involved in their communities. They have been staunch supporters of a great many causes, continuously pledging their support for education, health and human services, and particularly for the arts. Now Bacardi USA, Inc. is extremely proud to be a supporter of Miami City Ballet, and congratulates the company on its 26th anniversary year under the tutelage of Mr. Edward Villella. We are honored to be able to partner with Miami City Ballet during its 26th year and wish them much success this year and for many years to come.

Ana-Marie & Robert Barlick

		Ana Codina Barlick, Miami City Ballet's board chairman and former board president, is director of development for Codina Partners, a real estate development and investment firm based in Coral Gables. She was born and raised in Miami and has been attending MCB performances since the company's first program in 1986. Rob Barlick is originally from New York and is a vice president at Goldman Sachs Private Wealth Management. He is also deeply committed to the arts, having served as treasurer of the Adrienne Arsht Center Foundation board and as a member of the Arsht Center Endowment Investment Committee. Ana and Rob are the parents of two young children and both passionately believe in the power of the arts to inspire, uplift and improve our community.

Bob Benson

		Whether broadly understood or not, South Florida has in Miami City Ballet a cultural jewel of the first order. A Colorado resident with no ties to the Miami area, I seek out ballet companies built upon George Balanchine’s teaching foundations, in pursuit of my personal mission to keep important Balanchine works alive and fresh while simultaneously commissioning promising new choreography. Miami City Ballet perfectly matches this profile. The energy, speed and emotional connection of its dancers are matched by the willingness of Edward Villella to take risks, to stretch and challenge the company. I am pleased, as part of my own re-kindled affection for dance and support of a select few ballet companies across the United States, to be helping facilitate Liam Scarlett creating his new ballet specifically designed for Miami City Ballet.

Broward Cultural Division

		Broward Cultural Division congratulates Miami City Ballet on the completion of its 25th anniversary season, and on outstanding critical reviews following a successful Paris debut. In 25 years, Broward County is a thriving cultural community, in part due to county leadership and strategic investment leveraging private sector contributions. The creative sector, composed of small businesses that represent a major economic engine, supports more than 5,000 businesses employing more than 25,000 employees. CreativeBROWARD: 2020 Community Cultural Plan provides the blueprint for the next 10 years with strategic cultural developments creating hundreds of construction jobs from various projects, including the recently completed amphitheater in the ArtsPark at Young Circle and new entryway at the Museum of Art│Fort Lauderdale; major expansion with the Museum of Discovery and Science EcoDiscover Center and Young at Art's Children's Reading Center & Museum; and shortly, the Broward Center for the Performing Arts' upgrade and the development of Central Broward Regional Park Cultural Center.

Hubert Bush

		After studying visual arts, Hubert began his career directing documentaries and music videos, and writing TV mini-series and feature films. He then shifted to making drawings, paintings and sculptures that often incorporate photography and found objects. He has shown his artwork at Gallery Met, Lincoln Center, Loretta Howard Gallery in New York City and at the Cincinnati Art Museum. He is on the board of Art Production Fund in New York City and the Bass Museum in Miami Beach.

B. Carlin Foundation

		The B. Carlin Foundation, Inc. was founded by B. Carlin, a significant supporter of the arts and medicine in Miami-Dade County for years. The foundation continues in the tradition of B. Carlin and supports many cultural and education activities in Miami-Dade County. The current trustees are Robert G. Breier, President; Chris Landon, President; and Gary W. Dix. The B. Carlin Foundation, like B. Carlin herself, is proud to continue to be a supporter of Miami City Ballet.

Cordero & Associates

		Cordero & Associates provides immigration, nationality and consular legal services to corporate and individual clients throughout the U.S., Latin America and Europe from its Miami headquarters, as well as offices in New York, Washington, D.C., Bogotá, Buenos Aires and Caracas. The firm has extensive experience in assisting entrepreneurs, investors and other high-net-worth individuals; artists and entertainers; scientific and technical professionals; and students, all of whom wish to immigrate for a variety of professional and personal reasons. Cordero & Associates also offers a full suite of complementary advisory services, including assistance with corporate legal matters, familiarization with all aspects of U.S. labor law, tax planning and real estate negotiations

Swanee & Paul DiMare

		Swanee and Paul DiMare are dedicated to making a difference in the community. Both are committed to a range of charities, making them key philanthropic figures in Miami-Dade. Paul, affectionately known as “Mr. Tomato,” is the nation’s largest grower of fresh-market tomatoes and one of the country’s most influential farmers. He is a member of the boards of the American Red Cross Greater Miami & the Keys, and the University of Miami. He is chairman and co-founder of the advocacy group Florida Farmers, Inc., and serves on the advisory board of Farm Share, a non-profit organization dedicated to alleviating hunger. Swanee is on the boards of Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden, Vizcaya Museum and Gardens, and the Miami Museum of Science. Swanee and Paul served as 2003 and 2006 Red Cross Ball chairmen and are active supporters of the Miami Project to Cure Paralysis and the Buoniconti Fund. They have received numerous honors for their outstanding philanthropic support.

Dr. Margaret & Mike Eidson

		Dr. Margaret and Mike Eidson are proud to support one of the world's most important ballet companies. In Miami City Ballet's 26-year history, the Eidsons have seen every program, often attending the same program many times to see different company members dance solo roles. As former president and chairman for nine years, Mike has enjoyed working closely with the great Edward Villella and with the dedicated ballet staff. Margaret is now proud to serve on the ballet's board of trustees. In addition to ballet, the Eidsons support many other non-profit organizations. Mike serves as Chairman of the Adrienne Arsht Center and Margaret served on the University of Miami Medical School faculty for 25 years. Dr. Eidson and Mike Eidson underwrote an additional performance of Romeo and Juliet and the great Paul Taylor piece Promethean Fire in 2010-2011 and are proud to underwrite Liturgy in the 2011-2012 season. They continue to look forward to every production.

Barbara & James Eroncig

		The Eroncigs attended their first Miami City Ballet performance during the 1990-1991 season. That performance was the beginning of a growing admiration and respect for Edward Villella and his talented company. It was also the beginning of a closer association and a working relationship. This year, Jim was elected as MCB's Board of Trustees president. His wife, Bobi Eroncig, is a member of the Board of Trustees, the Board of Governors and is chairman of the MCB Artist’s Circle. The support of the Eroncigs over the past 20 years has drawn them into the MCB family. “We honestly feel we are a part of this wonderful group of talented dancers and have the greatest respect for Edward and his dedicated staff. We are looking forward to the 26th season. We know that only the sky’s the limit.”

Charlene & Ron Esserman

		Charlene and Ron Esserman have been strong supporters of Miami City Ballet since it began 26 years ago. "We were extremely excited when Edward Villella came to Miami because we knew that he would bring a world-class ballet program to South Florida. He has even exceeded our expectations." Mr. Esserman, a former president of Miami City Ballet, agrees with Edward Villella that no community can ever consider itself truly great unless it makes a strong statement in the arts. Mr. and Mrs. Esserman are strong supporters of many arts and quality endeavors including Adrienne Arsht Center, Florida Grand Opera, Coconut Grove Theatre, Actors Playhouse, Zoo Miami and many other world-class programs. Mr. Esserman has been in the automobile business for 42 years selling Acura, Honda, Kia, Nissan and Volkswagen vehicles. He has built his reputation on low prices and outstanding quality customer service and satisfaction.

Florman Family Foundation

		In memory of Betty Florman, an avid lover of the ballet, the Florman Family Foundation trustees are pleased to support Miami City Ballet School. Betty was an early and enthusiastic supporter of MCB, and as the company grew, she often expressed an interest in the future of young dancers. As a long-time Floridian who moved here with her husband, Marv, Betty rejoiced in the cultural life of her adopted community and in cultural opportunities for young people. Betty would be pleased to celebrate Miami City Ballet’s 26th season.

Freed of London

		The moment Moira Shearer danced across the screen in a pair of pointe shoes designed by Frederick Freed for the film classic, “The Red Shoes,” the legend of Freed of London was born. Since then, more legendary dancers have worn Freed’s than any other brand of pointe shoes — and no wonder. For 80 years, each and every pair of Freed of London ballet shoes has been made by hand, utilizing our exclusive “turn shoe” method. In an age of speedy, machined production, Freed still relies on its hand-crafted, time-intensive production process. Why? Because at Freed of London, we understand that creating and developing the greatest dancers begins with providing the greatest footwear. As the official shoe provider to Miami City Ballet and audition tour sponsor for Miami City Ballet School’s Summer Intensive Program, we take pride in knowing that we have a hand in this great company’s success — as well as a foot or two. www.FreedUSA.com

Marvin Ross Friedman & Adrienne bon Haes

		Marvin Ross Friedman and Adrienne bon Haes are vigorously involved and substantial supporters of many cultural, charitable and philanthropic organizations, but none is closer to their heart than Miami City Ballet. They consider MCB to be the crown jewel in the cultural pantheon of our community. As long-time supporters of MCB, they applaud the genius of Edward Villella and the extraordinary virtuosity and sublime artistry of a company that has successfully brought world-class performances to South Florida's stages. Marvin Ross Friedman, who also serves on MCB's board, is a senior partner in the litigation law firm of Friedman & Friedman. He is listed in "The Bar Register of Preeminent Lawyers in the United States" as well as "Guide to Leading American Attorneys." In addition to his law career, for the past three decades he has been a respected private art dealer handling important modern master and contemporary works of art. Adrienne bon Haes is a multi-faceted artist and creative spirit.

Greater Fort Lauderdale

Francinelee Hand & David Lincoln Siegel

		Ballet, symphony, theater and music in all its manifestations bring to the world the most profound and deeply felt emotions in life. Music stirs forgotten longings and urges us to respond to our finer instincts. We work harder, share more willingly, encourage more often, laugh more joyfully, and love more deeply. Dance is the visual expression of music, so we see, as well as hear. This intensifies music's impact on us. The world is sweeter because art is inspiration. Beauty nourishes the soul, and the creation and enjoyment of it are the reasons it exists. It is life seeking its most incandescent self.

Michele Herbert

		Michele Herbert’s passion for dancing was nurtured during her ballet studies at the Metropolitan Opera Ballet School. She worked as a dancer, actress and TV talk show host, and appeared onstage in “The Sunshine Boys.” For nine years, Mrs. Herbert was co-chairman of The Children’s Advocacy Center, now New York Center for Children, a privately-funded child abuse center, and for 19 years served on the board of directors, and now the advisory council of The School of American Ballet. She is on the steering committee of The Alzheimer’s Association and IADAF, chaired three New York City Ballet galas, and just recently chaired the 2010 Rita Hayworth Gala. Her husband, Lawrence, is the creator and former CEO of Pantone, Inc., the international leader in color matching systems, and her son, Loren, currently attends New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts. Mr. Herbert is active on the boards of the American Film Institute and New York City Ballet.

Investor Solutions/Gabriele & Frank Armstrong

		Investor Solutions continues to generously support Miami City Ballet and is the 26th season’s proud Artist’s Circle Dessert Salon sponsor for Miami-Dade. Frank Armstrong is the founder, CEO and principal of Investor Solutions, a fee-only registered investment advisor providing fiduciary level objective advice and leading edge investment management. Founded in 1993, Investor Solutions manages over $550 million in assets and serves individuals, trusts, pensions, not-for-profits organizations and one foreign government. Investor Solutions is proud to support community arts and science organizations, education and veteran’s causes. Frank is a featured columnist on Morningstar.com and several financial news organizations including CNN, CNBC and public radio. His bestselling book “The Informed Investor” was cited by Business Week as one of the best investment books of 2002. For more information on Frank and Investor Solutions, please visit www.InvestorSolutions.com.

IPFone

		IPFone celebrates its 15th year of providing voice and data communications services to the South Florida business community. IPFone is headquartered in North Miami with offices in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Our flagship product, hosted PBX, is currently implemented in hundreds of corporations. Our customers benefit from reduced costs, improved productivity, and an outsourced model to manage their day-to-day communications services and equipment. We have just announced the IPFone Video and Web Collaboration products into our suite of services, to further enable our customers in improving their business. Our goal is to create a positive customer experience by providing proactive care and professional account management. We have supported Miami City Ballet for the past five years and look forward to continuing this relationship and to the great success of the ballet. www.ipfone.com

Adelaida & Gary Iscoe

		Cuban born Adelaida Muñiz-Iscoe began her career as a ballerina in New York with the Joffrey II and later the International Ballet of Caracas under the direction of Vicente Nebreda, as well as the New World Ballet of Caracas. As a principal dancer, Adelaida worked with renowned choreographers including Alvin Ailey, Hans Van Manen, Choo San Goh, Ulysses Dove, Margo Sappington and Dennis Nahat. One of her many achievements includes mentoring Robert Battle as a young student, now artistic director for the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater. MCB is honored to include Adelaida as a member of the Palm Beach board of trustees and the co-chairman and premier sponsor of the spring gala, “Palm Beach MODness!” Adelaida and her husband, Gary, a founding partner in the law firm of Steinger, Iscoe & Greene are both thrilled to join the MCB corps of supporters to continue fostering the company's international acclaim.

Jenny’s Flowers Inc.

		Jenny’s Flowers Inc. opened its doors on Valentine’s Day in 1973. It was a very fitting day, as it has been the company’s goal ever since to bring joy, love and beauty to the hearts of the people in the greater Miami community. With great pride, we custom make every arrangement, so that the details reflect all of the wishes of each customer, placing utmost attention and care on personalization and quality. We believe in the European tradition, where flowers are seen as a necessity rather than a luxury, because flowers are for the soul — just like dance and music. Jenny’s Flowers Inc. believes that this common goal makes for a special partnership and has been proud to support Miami City Ballet for more than 10 years.

Darla & John Karlton

		"Thank you, Miami City Ballet, for 26 years of beautiful and breathtaking ballet. We are looking forward to the future!" Darla and John Karlton happily reside in Bal Harbour, Florida, during the winter and spend their summers in Litchfield County, Connecticut. Mrs. Karlton studies ballet and, at one time, worked in New York for the Richard Rodgers Organization. Mr. Karlton, who completed his graduate studies at New York University, is the chairman of a national real estate investment company. Mrs. Karlton is on the board of Miami City Ballet. Now in its 26th year, Miami City Ballet has emerged as one of the top ballet companies in America. The Karltons have an ongoing commitment to support Miami City Ballet in its endeavors to maintain world-class ballet for all generations.

Miriam* & Dr. Robert Knapp

		From a very early age, Miriam Knapp possessed a great love of ballet and all art forms. Through the years, her talent evolved and Miriam was recognized amongst her peers as a revered sculptress. As president of MHK Sculptors, her larger than life pieces have graced high profile locales including the State University of New York in Brooklyn, the Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston, and The Ritz-Carlton in Palm Beach. Miriam joined the Board of Trustees of Miami City Ballet in 2002. For over a decade both Miriam and her husband, Dr. Robert Knapp, have generously hosted receptions in the Palm Beaches to benefit MCB, and sponsored galas, including “An International Evening at the Kennedy Center”, “Palm Beach Meets Miami Salsa” as co-chair, and most recently, “Palm Beach MODNESS!” The Knapp’s have consistently given to the Company’s various needs such as the orchestra fund and the MCB School Scholarship Fund. The dancers always remained close to Miriam’s heart as witnessed in her underwriting of gala tables to seat dancers and contributions earmarked for the dancers’ Christmas bonuses. Edward and Linda Villella, the dancers, staff and Miami City Ballet's Board of Trustees mourn the loss of this extraordinary lady, who was considered an integral part of our Ballet family. Miami City Ballet wishes to dedicate the performances of Coppélia in Palm Beach to the memory of Miriam Knapp.

The John S. and James L. Knight Foundation

		Knight Foundation supports transformational ideas that promote quality journalism, advance media innovation, engage communities and foster the arts. The foundation believes that democracy thrives when people and communities are informed and engaged. For more, visit KnightFoundation.org.

The Louis B. Mayer Foundation

		Louis B. Mayer Foundation was founded in 1947 by Louis B. Mayer, the Head of Production at MGM from its inception in 1924 until 1950. It has supported a variety of educational, scientific and artistic activities, with a current focus on leading-edge medical research, film preservation and dance. L. Jeffrey Selznick, a grandson of Louis B. Mayer, was the President of the Foundation from 1989 until his death in 1997. The current Trustees are Robert A. Gottlieb, President, Carol Farkas and Elliot R. Cattarulla. Recently supported projects include the L. Jeffrey Selznick School of Film Preservation at George Eastman House, Rochester, New York; the preservation of Janet Gaynor's films, including a national tour of the preserved works; and cancer research by leading scientists at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Mount Sinai Medical Center. The foundation has been a proud supporter of Miami City Ballet since 2001.

City of Miami Beach Cultural Affairs Program

		The City of Miami Beach Cultural Affairs Program in the Department of Tourism and Cultural Development serves as an invaluable resource for the Miami Beach community and beyond. Working closely with the Cultural Arts Council — the advisory board which was founded in 1997 — the program sustains, develops and supports the arts in Miami Beach for the enjoyment, education, enrichment and benefit of residents and visitors. Since 1997, the City of Miami Beach has awarded nearly $9 million to approximately 130 not-for-profit groups through an annual cultural grants program. The City of Miami Beach’s Cultural Affairs Program is proud to include Miami City Ballet on its list of Cultural Anchors, as it continues to advance the program’s primary mission of year-round artistic and cultural programming that contributes significantly to the cultural life of the City of Miami Beach.

The Miami Herald Media Company (MHMC)

		The Miami Herald Media Company (MHMC) publishes two daily newspapers: The Miami Herald, winner of 20 Pulitzer Prizes, and El Nuevo Herald, an award-winning Spanish-language publication. Together, the newspapers are read by more than a million people each week, in print and online at MiamiHerald.com and elNuevoHerald.com. MHMC products include the websites Miami.com and MomsMiami.com. The company produces content across all media, including video, mobile and radio on WLRN/Herald News; as well as over 110 custom publications for hotels, airlines and other clients through its subsidiary, HCP/Aboard Publishing. The Miami Herald is owned by The McClatchy Company, (NYSE: MNI), the nation’s third-largest newspaper company with 30 daily newspapers and 44 non-dailies. McClatchy also owns a network of leading local websites in each of its daily newspaper markets, offering readers information, comprehensive news, advertising, e-commerce and other services.

Miami-Dade County Department of Cultural Affairs

		The Miami-Dade County Department of Cultural Affairs and the Cultural Affairs Council develop cultural excellence, diversity and participation throughout Miami-Dade County by strategically creating and promoting opportunities for artists and cultural organizations, and our residents and visitors who are their audiences. The department directs the Art in Public Places program and its board, the Art in Public Places Trust, commissioning, curating, maintaining and promoting the county's art collection. The department receives funding through the Miami-Dade County Mayor and Board of County Commissioners, The Children's Trust, the National Endowment for the Arts, the State of Florida through the Florida Department of State, Division of Cultural Affairs and the Florida Arts Council and the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation. Other support and services are provided by Ticketmaster for the Culture Shock Miami program, the Greater Miami Convention and Visitors Bureau, the South Florida Cultural Consortium and the Tourist Development Council.

Rose Miniaci

		The charitable heart of Rose Miniaci is legendary. She supports a multitude of philanthropic, educational, cultural and charitable organizations and institutions. With a special focus on children’s education, she continually extends opportunities to students to excel in life and to pursue what many of them think is an impossible dream. The scholarships she awards each year have assisted thousands of students of all ages in reaching their goals. Her gifts to NOVA Southeastern University and St. Thomas University have contributed to building the Alfred & Rose Miniaci Performing Arts Auditorium and the Miniaci Lead Now Program. Rose’s commitment and dedication to assist others is prevalent in her life, as she says, “I do what I can.” In recent years, Rose has become an avid supporter of Miami City Ballet and appreciates having one of the premier ballet companies of the U.S. right here in South Florida.

The National Endowment for the Arts

		The National Endowment for the Arts was established by Congress in 1965 as an independent agency of the federal government. To date, the NEA has awarded more than $4 billion to support artistic excellence, creativity, and innovation for the benefit of individuals and communities. The NEA extends its work through partnerships with state arts agencies, local leaders, other federal agencies, and the philanthropic sector. To join the discussion on how art works, visit the NEA at www.arts.gov.

Nordstrom, Inc.

		Nordstrom, Inc. is one of the nation’s leading fashion specialty retailers. Founded in 1901 as a shoe store in Seattle, today Nordstrom operates 225 stores in 30 states, including 117 full-line stores, 104 Nordstrom Racks, two Jeffrey boutiques, one treasure & bond store and one clearance store. Nordstrom also serves customers through Nordstrom.com and its catalogs. Additionally, the company operates in the online private sale marketplace through its subsidiary HauteLook. Nordstrom, Inc.’s common stock is publicly traded on the NYSE under the symbol JWN.

Harriet & Henry Pownall

		Harriet and Henry Pownall are long-time residents of Broward County where Henry was the owner and CEO of Imagination Farms, a large dairy farm (formerly Velda Farms). Many South Floridians have fond recollections of their class tours of the dairy operation. After retirement, Harriet and Henry began to study ballroom dance and ballet; they were especially enamored of Edward Villella's The Neighborhood Ballroom. Their appreciation and support of Miami City Ballet grew from there. "We were excited and humbled to sponsor the spectacular, well-received 'The Golden Section.' We proudly sponsored another company premiere by Twyla Tharp last season — the delightful Baker's Dozen — and are now thrilled to co-underwrite a major new work by the amazing Alexei Ratmansky. The company's world premiere of Symphonic Dances was performed to the live music of The Cleveland Orchestra. It is our desire to contribute a diverse repertoire to the artistic future of the splendid, exceptional Miami City Ballet, and to inspire a younger generation to support this terrific company."

R. Kirk Landon & Pamela Garrison

		R. Kirk Landon, former Chairman and CEO of American Bankers Insurance Group, has been a generous donor to the South Florida community for many years. In his new occupation as philanthropist, he is the President of The Kirk Foundation and The Kirk A. and Dorothy P. Landon Foundation. In addition, he serves on the board of Community Partnership for Homeless. His philanthropic goal is to make South Florida more world class through his contributions to arts and education. A generous friend of Miami City Ballet for several years, Mr. Landon recently joined the board of governors and is proud to support the company during its 26th season.

The Jerome Robbins Foundation

		In 1970, Jerome Robbins, a preeminent figure in the dance and theater world, established The Jerome Robbins Foundation with the intent to support dance, theater and their associative arts. Following the outbreak of AIDS, Mr. Robbins directed the foundation's resources almost exclusively to addressing the AIDS crisis. Before his death in 1998, Mr. Robbins expressed his wish that the foundation again extend its resources to the performing arts — dance and theater especially, but not exclusively — including what developed into The Jerome Robbins Award.

Ophelia & Juan Js. Roca

		The Rocas' deep devotion to Miami City Ballet has made an impact from Jewels to Giselle, to the home of the company in Miami Beach: the Ophelia & Juan Js. Roca Center. Dedicated in honor of these great philanthropists, the 63,000 square-foot state-of-the-art facility is an affirmation of Miami City Ballet's artistic leadership and organizational stability. Part-time residents of Miami, Mr. and Mrs. Roca are based in Santo Domingo where J.J. Roca provides airline services in the Dominican Republic. In addition to their ballet interests, Mrs. Roca has worked with Mother Teresa, helping children worldwide. The Rocas share their love of the ballet with their two daughters, Janette and Janel and their grandsons. The Rocas are proud to support Miami City Ballet during its 26th season.

The Shubert Foundation

		The Shubert Foundation, established in 1945 by Lee and J.J. Shubert in memory of their brother Sam, is the sole shareholder of The Shubert Organization, Inc., which owns and operates 17 Broadway theatres, an Off Broadway theatre, and two theatres outside New York. The mission of The Shubert Foundation is to sustain and advance the live performing arts, in particular the American theatre, by supporting not-for-profit, producing theatre companies, dance companies and other arts-related institutions that assist in the development of the theatre. The Shubert Foundation is the largest private foundation providing general operating support to America’s not-for-profit theatre and dance companies. In 2011 it supported 315 theatres and 68 dance companies. The Foundation’s steadily increasing allocation total hit a new high in 2011, with 449 organizations sharing grants of over $19 million. Grantees are in every region of the country, and each plays a role in the evolution of the art form, the pursuit of artistic excellence and the encouragement of theatregoing.

Stearns Weaver Miller Weissler Alhadeff & Sitterson

		Stearns Weaver Miller is a full-service law firm with more than 120 attorneys serving clients throughout Florida and nationwide. With offices in Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Tampa and Tallahassee, we serve business clients and government agencies with a focus on litigation, real estate, labor and employment, business restructuring, corporate and securities and local government representation. We are committed to exceptional quality and creativity in our legal work. Because of this, we are consistently recognized among the best law firms in Florida and enjoy numerous accolades from top publications, including The National Law Journal, Chambers USA, and The Best Lawyers in America. We are equally committed to our community and provide financial and leadership support to a myriad of not-for-profit organizations impacting the arts, awareness, children and families, community service, education, the environment, health and wellness and legal services in our community and beyond. More information online at stearnsweaver.com.

The Robert P. and Eugenia P.* Strauss Foundation

		Robert, and his late wife, Eugenia, shared a passionate love of the arts. A former principal ballerina and sliver-screen actress, Eugenia had a deep understanding of the importance of costuming and scenery in creating a full-scale ballet production. Together, she and Robert generously underwrote the costumes for a multitude of Miami City Ballet productions, including Coppélia, Jewels (“Emeralds”), Theme and Variations, "Don Quixote Pas de Deux,", Grand Pas Classique, Dances at a Gathering, In the Night, Giselle, Lilac Garden, Ballet Imperial, NIGHTSPOT, as well as the encore presentation of Edward Villella’s The Neighborhood Ballroom. During the ballet’s silver anniversary last season, the Strauss family celebrated Eugenia’s legacy of giving and her long-time marriage to husband Robert by sponsoring the greatest love story of all time: Romeo and Juliet. In 2011-2012, Robert and his family proudly support the encore presentation of Coppélia, in honor of Eugenia and her passion for the art form.

The Surdna Foundation

		The Surdna Foundation seeks to foster just and sustainable communities in the United States — communities guided by principles of social justice and distinguished by healthy environments, strong local economies and thriving cultures. For five generations, since 1917, the foundation has been governed largely by descendants of John Andrus and has developed a tradition of innovative service for those in need of help or opportunity. Now guided by a board of directors comprised of fourth- and fifth-generation family members and non-family members, the foundation has assets of approximately $800 million. The Surdna Foundation believes that cultural organizations, programs and projects often provide the opportunity for exploration of values and can act as catalysts for the building of just, sustainable communities. At their best, they contribute to fair access to social goods such as rights, opportunities and dignity. The foundation’s Thriving Cultures Program supports Teens’ Artistic Advancement, Artists Engaging in Social Change, Community Driven Design, and Artists and Economic Development.

Dorothy Usiskin

		Dorothy Usiskin and her husband divide their time between South Florida (The Royal Palm Yacht & Country Club), and Winnetka, Illinois. Dorothy is thrilled to witness Miami City Ballet reach to greater heights each season in the last 14 years. She also enjoyed helping the Thomas E. Starzl Transplantation Institute of the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, and Dorothy served as president of the Chicago chapter of the American Liver Foundation. She enjoys her 14 grandchildren and wonderful hubby the most!

Lynn Wolfson

		Lynn Wolfson, a native Miamian and philanthropist, has actively devoted herself to the advancement of the arts, culture and education in her community. She is a past member of the board of trustees for Miami City Ballet, a board member of the Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts Foundation of Miami, a former Director of Wometco Enterprises, and a founding member of Young Patronesses of the Opera. The Honorable Louis Wolfson II, her late husband, was a former Florida State Representative and Senior Vice President of Wometco Enterprises. In addition to being a member of the Opera Circle, she served on the board of directors and was the honorary chair of the opera's Magnum Opus Campaign to build the Anderson Opera Center. Ms. Wolfson was the honorary chairman for the Gala Opening of Adrienne Arsht Center. The opera took place on the Lynn Wolfson Stage at the Center's Ziff Ballet Opera House.