American Rhythms

Classical precision, jazz-inflected movement and new choreography come together as Miami City Ballet opens its 2026-27 season at the Adrienne Arsht Center. Presented Friday, October 16 through Sunday, October 18 in the Ziff Ballet Opera House, American Rhythms pairs landmark works by George Balanchine and Jerome Robbins with a world premiere by former MCB principal dancer Patricia Delgado.

Balanchine’s Allegro Brillante, set to Tchaikovsky, showcases the speed, musicality and clean lines associated with his neoclassical style. Delgado’s new work marks a return to the company where she built much of her performing career, bringing her experience as a dancer and choreographer back to the MCB stage.

The program concludes with the company premiere of Robbins’ N.Y. Export: Opus Jazz, a work that blends ballet technique with the rhythms, attitude and social-dance energy of midcentury jazz. Together, the three pieces frame the season opener around different approaches to American ballet and musical expression.