By Boca Vibe
Take 5 with Gonzalo Garcia
Gonzalo Garcia’s journey to leading one of South Florida’s most prestigious arts organizations is a testament to the power of change and opportunity. Read more at BocaVibe.com.
A year ago, Garcia did not expect to be living in South Florida, let alone at the helm of Miami City Ballet. Nor did he anticipate being chosen to succeed departing Artistic Director Lourdes Lopez on the cusp of the company’s 40th anniversary season.
Lopez, who had been leading the organization since 2013, announced her departure with two years left in her contract. “I’m sure it was a shock for them,” Garcia says. “She had a change of heart, and a change of heart sometimes means an opportunity for an institution to reassess what direction they want to go, and pump fresh energy.”
Indeed, Garcia is so fresh from his dance career he might as well have arrived in Miami vacuum-sealed. He retired from performance at the age of 35 after a successful 15-year career with companies such as American Ballet Theatre and The Royal Ballet.
Garcia’s Background
Before joining Miami City Ballet, Garcia was a principal dancer with several prominent companies. His impressive resume includes performances in productions such as Swan Lake and Giselle.
- Cooking classes: Garcia is an avid cook and enjoys taking cooking classes in his free time.
- Travel enthusiast: Garcia loves to travel and explore new cultures, often incorporating dance into his travels.
- Dance instructor: In addition to his performance career, Garcia has also taught dance classes at several institutions.
Garcia’s Vision for Miami City Ballet
As the new Artistic Director of Miami City Ballet, Garcia is committed to bringing a fresh perspective to the organization. He plans to focus on increasing diversity and inclusion within the company, as well as expanding its reach through community outreach programs.
Garcia also aims to revamp the company’s repertoire, introducing more contemporary works and collaborations with emerging choreographers. “I want Miami City Ballet to be a leader in the dance world,” he says. “I want us to be known for our innovative productions and our commitment to artistic excellence.”
Official city info: City of Boca Raton.
Source: Original Report