Edward Villella Out at Miami City Ballet

September 3, 2012

You may recall Wendy Perron’s blog about artistic directors exiting various companies. See the blog here. Well, a hasty departure just got even hastier.

Edward Villella was supposed to stay on as Artistic Director of Miami City Ballet until next April, when Lourdes Lopez was originally slated to take over. But things changed a bit over a laborious Labor Day weekend. Mr. Villella is leaving early. As of today, Lopez is in place.

In a letter to the staff and dancers of MCB Villella expressed his joy to be a part of the company’s legacy. With the transition to a new management already underway he indicated the timing for his departure was for the best.

In a press release from MCB Villella is quoted as saying, “I have always been committed to preserving the legacy of the Miami City Ballet and its stellar international reputation. This Company is in excellent hands and I am excited about its future.”

Miami City Ballet’s 2013 season begins on October 19. They are expected to perform works by Taylor, Balanchine and Liam Scarlett.