IBFM is considered one of the most important ballet festivals in the United States; each year it showcases some of the most stellar companies and ballet stars from around the world. As part of South Florida’s arts boom, the festival has helped make the area a ballet mecca where audiences can experience the best of ballet in four different locales: Miami, Miami Beach, Coconut Grove, and Fort Lauderdale.
Over the past 15 years, the IBFM has brought hundreds of companies and principal dancers to the stage, along with some of the most startling young medal winners of international ballet competitions. Under the direction of Pedro Pablo Peña, the festival has become an autumn tradition, with balletomanes as well as the simply curious coming from all over the country to experience the excitement of seeing such companies as the New York City Ballet, American Ballet Theatre, Luna Negra, Ballet Santiago (Chile), the English National Ballet, Ballet Teatro de Torino (Italy), the Hungarian National Ballet, the India World Culture Forum, and Victor Ullate Ballet (Spain), among others.
With collateral activities going on throughout, festival-goers can also enjoy dance films, art exhibits, workshops, and master classes, all in the lap of Southern Florida’s intoxicating landscape. (MK)
The International Ballet Fest of Miami Information
- Venues: Miami Beach Cinematheque (1130 Washington Avenue, Miami Beach); Lehman Theater (11380 Northwest 27th Avenue, Miami); Colony Theater (1040 Lincoln Road, Miami Beach); Amaturo Theater – Broward Center for the Performing Arts (201 Southwest 5th Avenue, Fort Lauderdale); Fillmore Miami Beach at the Jackie Gleason Theater (1700 Washington Avenue, Miami Beach); and more
- Public Transportation: Varies by venue
- Handicapped Accessibility: Depends on venue, but generally good
- Performances/Programs: 8–10 performances/events per year
- Ticket Prices: $15–$55. Discounts are available for groups of 10 or more.
