Photo Credit: Gene Schiavone.
Miami-born and raised Jeanette Delgado began her dance training in the Magic City with with Vivian Tobio, Liana Navarro and Maria Victoria Gutierrez. At just the age of nine, she received a scholarship to study at the Miami City Ballet School and spent her summers studying at Central Pennsylvania Youth Ballet, American Ballet Theatre and Chautauqua Dance Program, where she perfected her craft. As she advanced throughout her dance career, she received the Princess Grace Award in 2003, which prompted her apprenticeship with the prestigious Miami City Ballet. She was granted the honor of a soloist in 2006 and principal dancer in 2008. Outside of Miami, she’s been invited to perform with the Chautauqua Ballet Company, under the direction of Jean Pierre Bonnefoux and Patricia McBride, and has participated in Oregon Ballet Theaters’ Dance United performances in 2010 and 2012. However, Miami is where she calls home. Here, we sit down with the famed dancer where she shares her haute secrets to the Magic City:
Where were you born: Miami, FL
How long in Miami: My whole life, minus the one year that I’ve been living in Madrid, Spain with my husband!
Neighborhood: South Beach
Occupation: Professional Ballet Dancer
Favorite Restaurant: Ice Box Cafe! I loved them when they were on Lincoln Road and still love them on Purdy. They have healthy options with a lot of flavor and after a meal that’s good for you it’s always sweet to treat yourself to an incredible dessert—they have amazing options!
Best Sushi: Pubbelly Sushi—their crab roll with clarified butter is pure gold!
Best Italian: Macchialina
Best dessert: The Frieze—it’s an ice cream shop on Lincoln Road. It’s been around forever!
Best place for a romantic date: Romeo’s. You walk into a little Italian bistro and Romeo himself cooks up delicious courses of whatever he’s inspired to cook that night!
Best Sunday brunch: I love Front Porch Cafe. They have the best granola pancakes
Best place for a power business meeting: Being a dancer doesn’t really lend itself to power meetings outside of our studios, but I’ve had some pretty powerful brainstorming sessions at Juice & Java! It’s healthy, chill and full of positive energy.
If you have out of town guests, which hotel would you recommend? The Raleigh, my friends love it.
Best Spa: The Standard! You can’t beat that bay view as you plunge into the contrast baths or the peace you find in their hamam.
Favorite Charity Event: EarPeace Foundation, an organization that is educating the youth to save their hearing. In the U.S., one out of five teens suffer from noise-induced hearing loss by 19. Without the ability to hear music, dancers would not be able to share their art form. That’s why I believe in this incredible organization that’s helping bring awareness to an issue that is entirely preventable!
Favorite Cultural Event: Every first Saturday of the month I love going to the Wynwood Art Walk. As I was growing up in Miami, we didn’t have many artistic areas. The combination of food trucks, galleries and of course the beautiful murals make me feel like I’m in a different city.
Favorite Cultural Institution: I’m biased, of course…the Miami City Ballet!
Best Pizza: Lucali! They’re in such a great location—I love the ambiance, their kale salad is the best and the pizza is thin crust deliciousness.
Best Lunch: I head to Taste Bakery at least once or twice a week for their delicious coffee, yummy salads and wraps. They’re the friendliest crew on the beach!
Best Gym/Athletic Facility: I’m so lucky to work out for a living doing what I love! But cross training is really helpful so I go to Flamingo Park pool.
Best Massage: We are so fortunate at Miami City Ballet to have the support of a team of incredible therapists. Alex Somoano is one of the best massage therapists for a full body massage and complete renewal.
Best Museum/Exhibit: the PAMM! Along with the exhibits, it’s also a beautiful building with great views of Miami.
Describe your city in three words: Vibrant, warm, multicultural
Favorite historic/legendary place to see or explore: I love heading to Calle Ocho. My family is Cuban and I feel a comfort and liveliness in this area that feels unique to Miami.
All-around favorite spot in Miami: South Point Park and the beach!
Best Aspect of Miami: I love that it’s a relatively young city. I’m happy to be a part of its growth.
