In an electrifying announcement, Miami City Ballet shares the news that Lourdes Lopez, the Cuban-born and Miami-raised former ballerina with New York City Ballet, has been named successor to Edward Villella, the company’s founding artistic director who is soon to retire.
Ms. Lopez’s post will commence in Miami City Ballet’s 2013-14 season.
Mr. Villella’s immense achievement in establishing a world-class ballet company in an unlikely outpost remains one of American ballet’s greatest success stories. MCB celebrated its 25th anniversary in 2010.
Villella is a beloved icon of American dance, one of its greatest contributors, and we only hope he feels pride and joy as he passes the baton to a worthy successor.
Our response to seeing a strong, experienced, qualified and beautiful woman receive this honor? We are overjoyed. We wish Ms. Lopez every success in her new role.
Vivent les femmes in classical ballet~!