Gonzalo Garcia
Gonzalo García has lived a dancer’s dream. From Zaragoza to San Francisco to center stage at Lincoln Center, his path has been one of talent, transformation, and total devotion to the art of ballet. Now, he’s bringing that journey and his signature warmth, vision, and artistry to Miami City Ballet as our new Artistic Director.
Born in Zaragoza, Spain, Gonzalo began ballet training at the age of eight. At just 15, he became the youngest gold medalist at the Prix de Lausanne, a milestone that led him to San Francisco Ballet’s Summer Intensive. He soon joined the year-round program, rising through the ranks to become a principal dancer in 2002.
In 2007, Gonzalo joined New York City Ballet as a principal dancer, performing with the company for 15 years before his retirement in 2022. He then stepped into a new role as a repertory director, working closely with dancers and staging works by some of ballet’s most influential choreographers, including George Balanchine, Jerome Robbins, Alexei Ratmansky, Christopher Wheeldon, and Justin Peck.
Now, as he begins his next chapter with us in Miami, we caught up with Gonzalo to discover more about the moments that have shaped him, what inspires him, and what he hopes to share with you.
What experiences shaped you as a dancer?
When I was 15, I attended my first summer program at San Francisco Ballet School, where I studied under the incredible Cuban teacher Jorge Esquibel. He changed my life. I returned for the full year, drawn not only to him but to the exceptional faculty and the strong mentorship of Artistic Director Lola de Avila.
San Francisco Ballet gave me versatility and exposed me to a wide range of choreographic voices. Later, New York City Ballet deepened my understanding of the Balanchine and Robbins legacies in a way that forever shaped my artistic identity.
What has been your favorite moment from your career on stage?
There have been so many unforgettable moments, but one that stands out is dancing Apollo on a summer night at the Odeon of Herodes Atticus in Athens. Performing under the stars with the Acropolis in view—it felt like an out-of-body experience. Being rehearsed by Jacques d’Amboise made it all the more profound and memorable. It was a perfect moment in every way.
What are some of your favorite hobbies outside of dance?
I love hosting friends and cooking large paellas and traditional Spanish dishes, many of which I learned from my mother. I also enjoy watching films and spending quality time with my significant other and our fluffy orange cat, Pintxo.
What’s a piece of advice you live by?
Be present. Be honest. Be yourself.
What’s on your go-to playlist right now?
Anything Latin always energizes me, and I also love the sounds of Black Coffee and Pablo Fierro.
What pieces of music or choreography move you most?
Tchaikovsky’s Swan Lake—it never gets old; it’s pure magic.
Suite No. 3 by Tchaikovsky is a Balanchine masterpiece that always moves me deeply.
And any Jerome Robbins ballet set to Chopin holds a very special place in my heart.
What are you looking forward to in your first season with MCB?
I’m excited about creating a stronger sense of community—not just within the company, but with Miami’s broader cultural heart. My focus in this first season is on unifying and strengthening all aspects of the institution.
As my programming begins to unfold in the 2026–2027 season, I look forward to bringing in new artists and works that will shape MCB’s future and ignite the imagination of our audiences.
What do you hope the audience experiences through MCB?
So many things. I want our community to feel proud of MCB as a leading cultural institution in South Florida. I hope they are challenged and inspired by the repertoire, and that they connect both emotionally and intellectually with what’s happening on and off stage.
Most of all, I want them to feel invited and excited to engage with us in new, creative ways.
What do you want someone to feel when they leave the theater?
I hope they leave smiling, uplifted, and maybe having discovered something new—not just about the art form, but about themselves.
What are you bringing with you to Miami?
I’m bringing my cat, Pintxo—he’s big, orange, fluffy, and one of my life’s great comforts. And, of course, my incredible husband, Ezra Hurwitz, who’s been with me every step of the way.
Gonzalo’s story is one of artistry, humility, and passion. As he steps into this new role, he’s bringing a deep reverence for ballet’s traditions, a hunger for creative evolution, and a heartfelt commitment to community.
We’re honored to welcome him—and we can’t wait for you to get to know him too.
Follow @miamicityballet on social media for more updates on Gonzalo and our 40th Anniversary Season.