Where To Catch Dance Performances In Miami

Greater Miami & Miami Beach has a dance community that runs the gamut from its internationally known ballet company to contemporary, modern, flamenco and Caribbean collectives, as well as plenty of places where visitors can kick up their heels and take a dance class. Whether it’s seeing a lively dance performance or taking to the dance floor at a salsa studio, dance in Miami is as high-energy as the destination itself.

Where to See Dance Performances

Miami City Ballet

Miami City Ballet has been around for more than 40 years. What makes MCB so exciting year after year is its ability to transcend every genre of the art form – from its dedication to the masterworks of George Balanchine to its reimagining of The Nutcracker every holiday season with a tropical flair. It presents  exciting world premieres by some of the most renowned international choreographers.

At its Miami Beach headquarters, MCB’s professional school is a training ground for dancers who come from around the world. Most performances take place at the Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts in Downtown Miami.

Dance Now! Miami

On the contemporary dance front, Dance NOW! Miami has been a staple of the dance community for more than 25 years. The innovative collective collaborates with other international companies from Portugal, Italy and Mexico, creating original works that can be seen on Miami stages and abroad. 

Co-founders and artistic directors Hannah Baumgarten and Diego Salterini have earned a worldwide reputation for their original choreography. Each year, the company produces the Daniel Lewis Dance Sampler – a show that features ballet, modern, flamenco and contemporary performed by companies from all over Florida.

Peter London Global Dance Company

Trinidad and Tobago native Peter London founded Peter London Global Dance Company to create opportunities for dancers from all backgrounds. The company primarily performs London’s original choreography, which is steeped in rich multicultural heritage, as well as new works by Miami’s emerging stars. Many performances are held outdoors, at venues like the Miami Beach Botanical Garden and the Miami Beach Bandshell, offering a chance to commune with the tropical landscape.

Karen Peterson Dancers 

Karen Peterson is known as a pioneer in mixed-ability dance, inspiring others to follow the path forged by her company, Karen Peterson Dancers. For three decades, the company has brought together dancers and choreographers with and without disabilities. She choreographs duets where one dancer uses a wheelchair and the other does not, in what can only be described as poetry in motion.

Her annual Forward Motion Festival showcases physically integrated dance companies from around the world, featuring performances, master classes and workshops.

Ballet Flamenco La Rosa

Ilisa Rosal, artistic director of Ballet Flamenco La Rosa in Miami, performs flamenco with flair. The company is prolific in its presentation of flamenco – a combination of singing (cante), dance (baile) and instrumental music (toque). With her roots in theater and dance, Rosal’s signature is adapting well-known literary works to flamenco. Performances take place at venues throughout Miami. While flamenco is a main focus, the company also offers training in tango, Haitian dance, ballet, tap, jazz, hip hop and even acting classes.

Sanctuary of the Arts

Housed within the First Church of Christ Scientist in Coral Gables, the Sanctuary of the Arts is a haven for dance. Its choreographic ensemble training and audition program prepares dancers for professional careers with top companies. There’s a summer dance program for dancers ages 7 to 14, and more intensive summer camps for adult intermediate to semi-professional dancers. In the fall, look for adult dance classes for the community. Local and visiting professional dance companies also perform in the intimate 314-seat sanctuary theater. 

Take a Dance Class

Dance Arts Miami

Whatever style of dance you’re interested in, Dance Arts Miami likely offers it at its studio in Little Haiti. Show up solo – there are plenty in the group eager to learn salsa, too, so it’s easy to get paired up – or bring a dance partner. No experience is needed to take part in the salsa dance lessons. The studio also offers group and private lessons in bachata, a dance and music style originating in the Dominican Republic. 

Miami Baila Dance Studio

One of the liveliest spots for salsa lessons is Miami Baila Dance Studio in Little Havana. The dance school offers private and group classes in several styles of salsa. It’s one of the only places to learn Casino Rueda. In this Cuban group dance, a caller gives commands for partner switches and synchronized moves, in a rhythmic combination of Afro-Cuban and salsa styles.

Mid East Performing Arts Academy

The Mid East Performing Arts Academy in Kendall has been teaching belly dancing and other authentic Middle Eastern moves since 1997. The academy partners with Spotlight Dance Academy to offer 75-minute classes where you can learn to shimmy and shake. You can dip your toes into dance by dropping in for a one-time class or book a package that fits your budget and availability.