Miami City Ballet Presents: Next Stage

A celebration of bonsai culture and Japanese-inspired horticulture unfolds at the Miami Beach Botanical Garden with demonstrations, plant sales and wellness activities. Taking place Saturday, May 9, the event marks the garden’s first World Bonsai Day program, bringing together local experts and enthusiasts for an afternoon focused on the art of miniature trees.

The program features bonsai specialist Glenn Hilton, who will exhibit selections from his personal collection, lead demonstrations and offer trees for purchase. Additional highlights include a kokedama plant sale, a display of Japanese-inspired ceramics and a Sogetsu ikebana arrangement, along with a free Tai Chi session held in the garden.

Open to the public, the event offers a mix of educational and interactive experiences, with additional programming details to be announced.

A pop-up dance performance at the Miami Beach Botanical Garden offers an up-close look at new choreography from emerging artists within Miami City Ballet. Taking place Friday, May 15, the Next Stage series presents original works in an intimate outdoor setting, bringing audiences closer to the creative process behind contemporary ballet.

The program features a mix of modern, classical and contemporary pieces, highlighting the diverse voices of choreographers within the company. The evening concludes with a finale by Ariel Rose that blends ballet with elements of flamenco, adding a cross-cultural dimension to the performance.

Following the show, attendees can take part in a live Q&A with Artistic Director Gonzalo Garcia and participating artists, offering insight into the development of the work. The event is open to all ages.