Miami City Ballet Grads Put Best Foot Forward

The Miami City Ballet’s dance-education program has been credited with producing some of the most talented dancers across the globe, and this year was no different. To celebrate completion of the program, students, instructors, and community leaders gathered on May 5 at the ballet’s Miami Beach studios. Two hundred guests attended the sold-out performance, which lasted about two hours and featured original pieces choreographed by resident instructors, as well as pieces from the company repertoire.
At the conclusion of the performance, guests enjoyed cocktails and hors d’oeuvres in the lobby. Electric pink and blue cocktails made from pomegranate juice or Hypnotiq mixed with vermouth and vodka were dubbed “MCB-tinis,” and served along with grilled shrimp, mini Darling Point lobster crab cakes, and mushrooms with spicy ranch sauce, all compliments of Outback Steakhouse and Southern Wine & Spirits of America. The ballet’s resident special events coordinator, Antonio “TJ” Morales, stayed true to his South Floridian roots when transforming the event space into a tropical oasis. Soiree Event Rental’s iridescent tropical orange linens with a pin-tuck pattern reflected a variety of reds, yellows, and oranges, depending upon the direction from which light hit them. The tables were adorned with floral centerpieces featuring birds-of-paradise and lit votives. The ballet’s own lighting team also played a major role in the transformation of the studio, washing the white walls in greens, reds, yellows, and blues.

The dinner fare—generously donated by Outback—consisted of chopped salad with a blue cheese vinaigrette, New Zealand lamb chops with cabernet sauce, grilled chicken, sirloin steak, and fresh-cut green beans.

The 2006-2007 “Enhancement of Education” award was presented to Sheldon Bearman for his generous support of the Miami City Ballet and its underprivileged students. (He directs the Herbert Bearman Foundation, head sponsor for the event.) After dinner, the night heated up as guests were drawn back into the lobby, where DJ Cash spun everything from Latin rhythms and hip-hop to 1980s favorites. During the dance, a silent auction was held, offering visitors a chance to bid on items such as a $3,600 Carnival Cruise Lines seven-day ocean-view cruise for two and a Johnson & Wales-catered dinner party for 10.

This year’s Student Showcase proceeds exceeded last year’s by $15,000. All monies collected from weekend ticket sales, dinner tickets, the drawing, and the silent auction go toward a scholarship fund aimed at providing students with the highest-quality dance education.