Season Preview 2012-13: Dance

Program III, Miami City BalletFebruary 22 – 24, Kravis CenterA new era for Miami City Ballet begins this season, as former New York City Ballet dancer Lourdes Lopez takes over as artistic director after the company’s founder, Edward Villella, was forced to retire early. Yet, the company’s treasured Balanchine repertoire continues with at least one dance from the master in each of the season’s four programs. If you see only one MCB performance this season, make it Program III, said former Balanchine protege and New York City Ballet dancer-turned-dance photographer, Steven Caras, who lives in West Palm Beach. The line-up includes the repertory premiere of Symphonic Dances by Alexei Ratmansky, one of the few contenders to be the next great classical choreographer, according to Caras. As he has in past years, Caras will lead a pre-performance discussion prior to the opening night of the Kravis Center’s dance performances.