Newly Exiled Cuban Dancers to Perform in Miami on Sunday 
Sunday, September 16th at 5 p.m.
Olympia Theater at the Gusman Center for the Performing Arts
174 East Flagler Street
Miami, FL
Two Cuban Principal Dancers, formerly with Ballet de Camaguey, have exiled and will dance in the International Ballet Festival of Miami’s (IBFM) Closing Gala of the Stars.
After their performance in Quito, Ecuador with Ballet de Camaguey Principal Dancers Milena Teresa Garcia Valido and Julio Cesar Concepción Mederos escaped security and travelled to the U.S. via the Mexican border.
“We are seeking greater artistic opportunities and personal freedom†claims Milena Garcia.
The dancers are now in Miami staying with relatives and have reached out to Pedro Pablo Peña, Founder and Director of Miami Hispanic Ballet, the umbrella of the International Ballet Festival of Miami in which they will participate this Sunday. Milena Garcia and Julio Cesar Concepción will dance the Don Quixote pas de deux.
“We have always made every effort to make opportunities available for exiled dancers, and we will continue to do so†says Pedro Pablo Peña. And he adds “This is our welcome to Milena and Julio Cesar to freedom and a successful artistic future.â€
The dancers will be rehearsing their pas de deux from 1:30 p.m. through 5 p.m. this afternoon at the Fillmore Miami Beach at the Jackie Gleason Theater studios.
The IBFM has two remaining performances this year. The Etoiles Grand Classical Gala Performance will be staged at the Fillmore Miami Beach at the Jackie Gleason Theater on Saturday, September 15th at 8 p.m. and the Closing Gala of the Stars at the Olympia Theater at the Gusman Center for the Performing Arts at 5 p.m. on Sunday, September 16th.
Immediately following the Closing Gala performance, a Festival Closing Reception will be celebrated on at the Miami Hispanic Cultural Arts Center, located at 111 S.W. 5th Avenue. Tickets may be purchased in advance at a suggested tax-deductible donation amount of $25 per person (Closing Reception Tickets) or $35 per person at the door.
For performance and activities schedule, and ticket information, visit www.internationalballetfestival.org.
Miami Hispanic Ballet is the umbrella company for the annual International Ballet Festival of Miami (IBFM), founded in 1996 and considered one of the most important Festivals of its kind in the US. Its mission is to introduce the South Florida audience to a stunning array of national and international ballet companies of artistic excellence from Europe, Latin America, and the USA. The magnitude of the program and prestige of the participating companies have captured the attention of the most demanding audiences. The IBMF has received rave reviews and earned the utmost respect from local and international media.
