On June 28, 1969, after a police raid at the Stonewall Inn, New York City’s gay community broke out in an uprising which became a catalyst for a modern gay rights movement and the beginnings of Pride month. 

As the country commemorates the emancipation of enslaved Black Americans, MCB wishes to celebrate the Black artists from past to present that have captivated us with their immense talent and courage. MCB dancer Luiz Silva asked his fellow dancers, “Who are the Black artists that inspire you?” Here they are listed below.

What is it like for a dancer to get up on stage…and sing?! Terrifying. Thrilling. Maybe a little bit of both.

“After all the fear,” says dancer Ellen Grocki,

Last year MCB dancer Julian Goodwin-Ferris enchanted audiences at Vizcaya Museum and Gardens with Realized Inner Voices, marking his first work as a choreographer. For this year’s To Florida, With Love outdoor performance series Julian returns with Alienating Assimilation, a simmering, contemplative piece for five dancers set to Béla Bartók’s “Violin Duo No. 21, New Year’s Song” and Sebastian Bach’s “Violin Partita No. 1 in B Minor.”

Today, we celebrate dancer Christie Sciturro, who is retiring from the stage after 15 great years with MCB. Christie, whose light shines just as brightly off stage as on, shares some incredible moments with the ballet and offers a bit of advice to young dancers.

By: Orlando Taquechel / Artburst Miami

Choreographer Claudia Schreier occupies a special