In this photo taken Tuesday, July 31, 2012, Edward Villella, founding artistic director of the Miami City Ballet, watches dancers during a company class in Miami Beach, Fla. Villella, who built the Miami City Ballet into an internationally recognized company, has left sooner than expected, the company announced Tuesday, Sept. 4, 2012. Villella, 75, said last year he would retire after the 2012-2013 season ends in April. But ballet officials announced Tuesday that Villella has decided to leave now. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)
Lopez reveals plans for Miami ballet, its audience
Published: 09:02:07 PM, Thu 14 February 2013 UTC
MIAMI BEACH, Fla. (AP) — Lourdes Lopez says she had heard the rumors about Miami City Ballet, that it was a failing institution in a cultural wasteland.
But she says neither turned out to be true. The dance company's new artistic director said Thursday that she's found a vibrant arts scene and support for her ambitious plans.
Lopez's program for the ballet's 2013-14 season challenges the dancers and their audience with new choreographers. She's also planning to create a new curriculum for the company's dance school to include dance and music history, not just dance instruction.
Lopez took over at the ballet in September after the abrupt departure of its founding artistic director, Edward Villella. He was ousted after nearly a year of financial struggles and management shake-ups that threatened to overshadow the company.
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