The XXIV International Ballet Festival of Miami 2019 (IBFM), under the artistic direction of Eriberto Jimenez, will be presented from July 27 through August 18, 2019. The festival, the most important in the United States, is responsible for bringing to Miami-Dade County the works of over 100 artists from more than 20 worldwide ballet companies representing countries from Europe, Asia, Latin America and North America. The festival also incorporates a dance film series, art exhibits, book presentations, workshops, master classes and six live performances to provide an event that serves the diverse audience of Miami-Dade County.
The IBFM launches with a VIP Cocktail Reception (invited guests) featuring the Unveiling of the Official IBFM Poster created by every year by a different artist, Saturday, July 27 at 8pm along with a dance-inspired fine arts exhibition open to the public the month of August at the beautiful, historic Miami Hispanic Cultural Arts Center, 111 SW 5th. Ave. Miami, Fl 33130.
Five magnificent performances will thrill audiences this year; “IBFM Youth Gala”, featuring young local, national and international ballet competition medalists at the Lehman Theater, Saturday, Aug. 3 at 7pm;. Two “Contemporary Performances” featuring 6 companies from, Italy, Dominican Republic, Brazil, and USA at the Manuel Artime Theater, Saturday, Aug. 10 at 8:00pm & Amaturo Theater Broward Center for the Performing Arts, Sunday, Aug. 11 at 5:00pm; the IBFM Finale with two Spectacular Performances featuring the stars of 12 renowned ballet companies from across the globe; the “Etoiles Classical Grand Gala”, Saturday, Aug. 17 at 8:00pm at the Fillmore Miami Beach Jackie Gleason Theater & the “Festival Closing Gala” Sunday, Aug. 18 at 5:00pm at the Miami Dade County Auditorium.
Each year at the Gala Performances, IBFM presents the “A Life for Dance” Lifetime Achievement Award to a legendary figure of the dance world 2019 recipient Wilhelm Burmann, & the “Criticism and Culture of Ballet” Dance journalism Award this year to Sarah Kaufman of the Washington Post.
The IBFM also presents a dance film series, featuring two new documentary premieres “The Kind Euphoria of Dance” based on international ballet festival of Miami founder Pedro Pablo Pena by Laekim Films, and multiple Award winning Flamenco Documentary “La Chana”, from Spain presented at the Miami Hispanic Cultural Arts Center on July 29 & 30, free to the public and August 4 & 5 at Miami Beach Cinematheque.
The IBFM has created a space for the special presentation of Magazines & Books dedicated to the dance. Authors are present for the release and signing of their books and interviewed by Miami Herald critic Orlando Taquechel.
Book Presentations are open to the public and free of charge. For performance, activities schedule, and ticket information, please visit www.internationalballetfestival.org.