International Ballet Festival of Miami

'''Miami Hispanic Ballet Company''' The Miami Hispanic Ballet Company (MHB) is a non-profit dance organization based in Miami-Dade County, Florida, founded in 1993 by Pedro Pablo Peña. The company is dedicated to identifying and promoting professional dance artists of Hispanic descent within the local community. Under the artistic direction of Eriberto Jimenez, MHB has established itself as a significant cultural entity in South Florida, particularly noted for producing and presenting major gala performances that showcase artistic excellence. One of the most significant contributions of the Miami Hispanic Ballet Company to the cultural landscape of South Florida is the creation of the Annual International Ballet Festival of Miami (IBFM). Launched by MHB, the festival is recognized as the most successful ballet festival in the United States and is unique to the State of Florida. The festival provides residents and visitors with the opportunity to experience a diverse range of local, national, and international artists of exceptional merit. The International Ballet Festival is celebrated for its ambitious programming, which includes performances by renowned ballet companies and principal stars from around the world. It has successfully introduced audiences in Miami-Dade, Broward, Palm Beach Counties, and Miami Beach, as well as tourists, to an impressive array of national and international ballet companies, many of which make their U.S. debut at the festival. The festival also serves as a platform for local dance and ballet companies to showcase their talents alongside globally recognized dancers. The IBFM is held annually from the last week of July through mid-August, featuring over 100 Principal Dancers representing more than 20 ballet companies. The festival's program encompasses dance film series, art exhibits inspired by dance, book presentations, workshops, and masterclasses. Additionally, the festival honors distinguished figures in the dance world with two prestigious awards: the A Life for Dance Lifetime Achievement Award and the Criticism and Culture of Ballet award. In 2011, the Miami Hispanic Ballet was awarded a one million dollar grant from the Miami Dade County Cultural Affairs Council for the purchase of property to house the Miami Hispanic Cultural Arts Center (MHCAC). Since 2012, the MHCAC has been located in the historic 1911 J.W. Warner Place, House and Garden, a Miami Landmark listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The center is a hub for cultural activities and is set to expand with new ballet studios and a black box theater, designed by architect Omar A. Morales, to further enrich the arts in Miami and preserve Hispanic cultural heritage. The mission of the Miami Hispanic Ballet is to foster excellence in dance, support artistic and cultural diversity, and expand public access to high-quality classical and contemporary dance forms. The organization is committed to developing and educating audiences in dance appreciation through the production of high-quality events and educational programs, as well as promoting professional dance artists in Miami-Dade County.