More than 100 dancers from 11 countries are performing across South Florida through Sunday, Aug. 16, as the International Ballet Festival of Miami marks its 31st season. For Miami Beach residents, the highlight lands Thursday, Aug. 6: a free outdoor contemporary dance show at Lincoln Road's Euclid Oval, 1623 Euclid Ave.

Admission is free.

The festival, which opened Saturday, July 25, is the only event of its kind in Florida, according to Time Out Miami. This year's lineup features 17 companies, including first-time participants the National Ballet Theatre of Košice from Slovakia and Marez Contemporary Dance. The Cincinnati Ballet, now led by Cuban-born Artistic Director Cervilio Amador, is also on the bill alongside local troupes Arts Ballet Theatre of Florida and Dimensions Dance Theatre of Miami.

Who's behind the festival

Artistic Director Eriberto Jiménez has steered the festival since founder Pedro Pablo Peña died in March 2018. Peña, a Havana-born dancer and choreographer who arrived in the United States in 1983, launched the festival in 1995 and later founded the Cuban Classical Ballet of Miami in 2006. Jiménez, born in Bogotá, Colombia, trained at the Joffrey Ballet School in New York before building a career as a soloist with several South Florida companies.

In a July 2025 ArtburstMiami interview previewing the festival's 30th edition, Jiménez said the festival's "resilience in the face of challenges and its continuous work promoting dance" have ensured its relevance over three decades.

What's on the schedule

The 2026 program moves through three phases: Young Medalist Performances, Contemporary Performances and Classical Ballet Galas. Beyond stage shows, the schedule includes art exhibits, film screenings, master classes and workshops. Venues span the Miami Hispanic Cultural Arts Center, the Fillmore Miami Beach at 1700 Washington Ave. and the Broward Center for the Performing Arts in Fort Lauderdale.

The closing Classical Ballet Galas are expected at the Fillmore Miami Beach the final weekend of the festival; check internationalballetfestival.org for confirmed dates and times.

Coming up

  • Thursday, Aug. 6 — Free outdoor contemporary dance performance, Euclid Oval, 1623 Euclid Ave., Miami Beach.
  • Aug. 15-16 — Classical Ballet Galas, Fillmore Miami Beach, 1700 Washington Ave. (confirm dates at internationalballetfestival.org).

Full schedules and tickets are available at internationalballetfestival.org or by calling 786-747-1877.