A Capital Venture

In her second year at the helm of Miami City Ballet (MCB), Lourdes Lopez is kicking it up a bit and keeping other things brand-stable. For Program I, the season debut appropriately titled First Ventures, she has selected a unique mix: an intriguing contemporary work from Christopher Wheeldon paired with a piano score from experimental composer György Ligeti. The result, Polyphonia, was created specifically for the New York City Ballet and recently premiered at London’s Royal Ballet to enthusiastic praise. Its mixture of classic and original movements has elicited comments from critics calling it “lush,” “gorgeous,” and “hot.” Lopez, MCB’s Cuban-born, Miami-raised new director, is familiar with the work. A former principal dancer with the New York City Ballet herself, she formed a dance company with Wheeldon in 2007. She has bookended the program with two Balanchines, just in case you forgot where MCB found its footing, specializing in the famed choreographer’s works. His Serenade, the first piece he made in America, accompanied by music from Tchaikovsky, will close out the evening. For the first time, ticket holders are invited to a preshow party on the plaza on opening night this Friday beginning at 6:30, including a DJ, cocktails, and MCB dancers in full costume.
Oct. 18-20, 2 & 8 p.m., 2013