Lourdes Lopez to Step Down as Artistic Director of Miami City Ballet

A Surprise Announcement Rocks Miami City Ballet

In a move that has sent shockwaves through the dance world, Lourdes Lopez, the revered artistic director of Miami City Ballet, has announced her decision to step down from her position at the end of the current season. Lopez, who has led the company since 2012, was originally contracted to remain in her role until the 2026-27 season. Her early departure, two years ahead of schedule, has left many in the company and its broader community stunned.

Lopez, now 66, has been a towering figure in the world of ballet, not just in Miami but internationally. Her journey in dance began under the legendary George Balanchine at the New York City Ballet, where she rose to prominence as a principal dancer. When she took the helm at Miami City Ballet, she brought with her a vision to elevate the company’s artistic profile and expand its repertoire. Her leadership has been transformative, earning her a reputation as a champion of innovation and excellence.

The announcement of Lopez’s departure was made hastily, with the decision finalized just a day before it was shared with the public. Lopez emphasized that her decision was deeply personal and unrelated to the company. “This has nothing to do with Miami City Ballet,” she said in an interview. “This is really about Lourdes.” She revealed that she had been contemplating a change for over a year but only made up her mind on Monday.

A New Chapter for Lourdes Lopez

Lopez’s decision to leave Miami City Ballet is driven by her growing passion for a new project: fostering collaboration among Miami’s arts institutions. She has long believed that the city’s cultural organizations could achieve greater impact by working together rather than competing. “If you look into the future, what do you create that really protects, that cushions, the arts here in Miami?” she mused. “That’s what I’m trying to figure out.”

Her vision for collaboration is timely, given the financial challenges many arts groups face. Lopez pointed to an example of overlapping productions: in April, Miami City Ballet will present the world premiere of Carmen by Belgian-Colombian choreographer Annabelle Lopez Ochoa, just a week after Florida Grand Opera stages its own Carmen at the same theater. “Too often, arts groups are competing against each other,” she noted. “I want to bring institutions together underneath one roof.”

For Lopez, this new chapter represents an opportunity to channel her boundless energy and creativity into a broader mission. “I have a lot of energy, I have ideas, I have vitality, I have urgency,” she said, reflecting on the lessons she learned from Balanchine. “Balanchine taught us you do it now, or you don’t do it.”

A Legacy of Artistic Excellence

During her tenure, Lopez has been instrumental in raising Miami City Ballet’s artistic standards and expanding its repertoire. She championed contemporary choreographers and brought groundbreaking works to the stage, including Alexei Ratmansky’s Swan Lake, which made its North American premiere in Miami in 2022 to critical acclaim.

Jeff Davis, the chair of Miami City Ballet’s board, praised Lopez’s contributions, noting that her legacy lies in her commitment to producing high-quality performances that inspire diverse audiences. “Her legacy is wanting to have a high-quality product that inspires a diverse crowd,” he said.

Lopez also navigated the company through significant challenges, including the financial uncertainties of the pandemic. During that time, the company lost millions in ticket revenue, but under her leadership, it managed to emerge stronger. She also steered the organization through tense negotiations when a group of dancers proposed unionization. Although the dancers ultimately voted not to unionize, the episode highlighted the complex dynamics within the company.

Challenges and Triumphs Under Lopez’s Leadership

Despite her many successes, Lopez’s tenure was not without its challenges. One of the most notable was the pandemic, which forced the company to adapt to a new reality. Lopez played a crucial role in guiding Miami City Ballet through this period, ensuring its survival and continuity.

Another significant challenge arose in 2022 when tensions flared over a proposal by a group of dancers to form a union. The American Guild of Musical Artists accused the company’s leadership of engaging in a union-busting campaign, but the dancers ultimately voted against unionization. Lopez’s leadership during this time was tested, but she remained steadfast in her commitment to the company’s mission.

Through it all, Lopez remained dedicated to expanding Miami City Ballet’s reach and influence. She was a driving force behind the company’s efforts to diversify its programming and appeal to a broader audience. Her work helped establish Miami City Ballet as a major player in the world of ballet, both nationally and internationally.

Looking Ahead: Miami City Ballet’s Future

As Lopez prepares to leave, Miami City Ballet is already looking to the future. The company’s board of directors has outlined a series of ambitious goals, including expanding its audience base and growing its endowment, which currently stands at $4 million—relatively small for an organization of its size. The board hopes to name Lopez’s successor before the start of the 2025-26 season in October.

Jeff Davis expressed confidence in the company’s future, saying, “We’re going to take the time we need to find the right artistic director.” He emphasized the importance of finding a leader who can build on