Patricia Delgado Will Premiere First Ballet in Miami
The former principal dancer returns on October 16 with a new work for the Miami City Ballet.
Updated on Oct. 9, 2026 in Dance
Live Poll
Do you make an effort to support local artists who have returned to your community?
Miami native and former principal dancer Patricia Delgado will debut her first choreography for the Miami City Ballet this October. The production is part of the upcoming American Rhythms program.
Why it matters
Delgado is returning to the company where she trained and spent 17 years as a dancer before leaving in 2017. Her new work follows her 2025 Tony Award win for the musical Buena Vista Social Club.
Delgado spent 17 years performing with the company before her 2017 departure. She makes her return as a choreographer on October 16 following her 2025 Tony Award win.
The players
Patricia Delgado
A Miami-born choreographer and former principal dancer who returns to Miami City Ballet for her directorial debut.
Miami City Ballet
The professional company hosting the American Rhythms program featuring Delgado's new work.
Gonzalo Garcia
The artistic director of Miami City Ballet who commissioned the new ballet from Delgado.
Emily Estefan
A musician collaborating with Delgado on the new choreographic work.
The details
Artistic director Gonzalo Garcia invited Delgado to choreograph the new ballet, titled Push the Buttons of the Civilized. She spent the last year working in the studio on this commission, which features a collaboration with musician Emily Estefan.
Timeline
2017: Delgado concluded her 17-year tenure with Miami City Ballet.
2025: Delgado received a Tony Award for her work on the musical Buena Vista Social Club.
October 16, 2026: The world premiere of Push the Buttons of the Civilized takes place.
Beyond the 305
Delgado's work on this premiere follows her 2025 Tony Award win for the musical Buena Vista Social Club. This project marks her first return to the company in a creative capacity since her departure in 2017.
Local ballet fans can see the premiere of Push the Buttons of the Civilized when it opens on October 16. This performance marks a homecoming for one of the city's most recognized artistic talents.
The takeaway
Delgado returns to the stage she performed on for 17 years as a choreographer. Watch the Miami City Ballet performance schedule for upcoming tickets to the American Rhythms program.
Further reading
You can find more coverage of the local arts scene in our Dance section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Pointe.
Live Poll
Do you make an effort to support local artists who have returned to your community?
