Gonzalo Garcia
A Bold New Chapter: Welcoming Gonzalo Garcia as Artistic Director of Miami City Ballet
As we prepare to celebrate our milestone 40th Anniversary Season, Miami City Ballet is thrilled to usher in a thrilling new era of artistry, innovation, and impact with the appointment of Gonzalo Garcia as Artistic Director, effective August 11, 2025.
Garcia is a globally celebrated artist, mentor, and leader whose 25-year career has helped shape some of the most iconic stages in ballet. With this appointment, MCB embarks on an exciting journey—one that honors our rich legacy while boldly reimagining what ballet can be for our community and the world.
“We are delighted to welcome Gonzalo to the artistic helm of Miami City Ballet,” said Jeff Davis, Chair of the Board of Trustees. “His international credentials are matched by his genuine devotion to mentoring dancers and engaging audiences. Gonzalo brings with him deep relationships with many of the world’s most prominent choreographers—Justin Peck, Alexei Ratmansky, Christopher Wheeldon, Patricia Delgado, and more. He is uniquely poised to steer the company and school towards their next level of excellence and impact as we continue to elevate the performing arts profile of Miami.”
In his own words, Garcia brings deep respect for the traditions that define MCB—while looking ahead with bold vision and fresh energy.
“Miami is barreling into the future with unparalleled momentum,” Garcia said. “It’s a city simmering with creativity, diversity, and rich cultural exchange—and I intend to channel that electricity into every fiber of Miami City Ballet. My goal is to continue honoring the company’s impressive legacy, while igniting new vibrancy and excellence. I’ll champion new voices and ideas alongside beloved masterworks and build bridges between artistic innovation and audience connection. Ballet can soar when it’s both brilliant and inclusive, with one foot rooted in tradition and the other leaping into the future.”
Gonzalo’s appointment comes at a time of growth and transformation for MCB—not only as a company but as a cultural force within the city of Miami and beyond.
“Gonzalo, in many ways, represents the future of ballet,” said Kristina Newman-Scott, Vice President of Arts at Knight Foundation. “His passion, experience, and charisma make him an ideal candidate for the Artistic Director role at MCB. He has the potential to spark exciting national and international collaborations, which will benefit Miami and our diverse communities.”
About Gonzalo Garcia
Born in Zaragoza, Spain, Gonzalo Garcia began his ballet training at the age of eight with legendary teacher María de Ávila. At 15, he became the youngest-ever gold medalist at the Prix de Lausanne, launching a path to the San Francisco Ballet, where he became a principal dancer in 2002.
Garcia quickly rose as one of the most compelling artists of his generation, praised for his dramatic depth, musicality, and technical command. At San Francisco Ballet and later at New York City Ballet—where he danced for 15 years as a principal—he brought to life major works by Balanchine, Robbins, and a new generation of choreographers including Peck, Ratmansky, Wheeldon, and more.
After retiring from performance in 2022, Garcia became Repertory Director at NYCB and joined the School of American Ballet faculty. His deep connection to the Balanchine legacy continues to shape his work as a coach, stager, and teacher across the globe.
Beyond the stage, Garcia has contributed to the arts through creative collaborations with Apple, Tiffany & Co., and The New York Times, and led bilingual outreach efforts to expand ballet’s reach and relevance.
Gonzalo Garcia joins MCB at a pivotal moment, bringing with him a rare combination of experience, vision, and generous leadership. His arrival marks a new chapter—one where our stages reflect the vibrancy of our city, where dancers are empowered to explore their full artistry, and where audiences are invited into deeper and more meaningful connection.
As we celebrate 40 years of dance, community, and innovation, we’re proud to welcome Gonzalo to the MCB family—and excited to share what’s ahead with you.
If you’re inspired by what’s to come, we invite you to make a gift in support of this bold new era. Your generosity fuels the creative leaps that define MCB’s future — and brings this vision to life.