Dancers Indira Mayrani and Yoichi Habaguchi of Arts Ballet Theatre of Florida (ABTF). (Photo by @Patriciasphotography, courtesy Arts Ballet Theatre)
The 2025-2026 performing arts season in South Florida is ushered in with the 15th anniversary program of the Daniel Lewis Dance Sampler on Saturday, Oct. 18.
This year’s program is a rich culturally diverse presentation of some of the area’s finest dance companies. Each company is presenting a selection from its repertoire. The companies represent ballet, contemporary, modern, flamenco and physically integrated dance.
Flamenco dancer Sandra Bara of Ballet Flamenco La Rosa (BFLR). (Photo by Jenny Abreu)
“We hope that by selecting organizations specifically that have robust ongoing performance seasons, we provide these companies with an opportunity to expand their audiences as well as to share the sacred space of performing with each other,” said Diego Salterini.
His co-founder and co-artistic director of Dance NOW! Miami, Hannah Baumgarten added: “As arts leaders, we are often so insulated in our own worlds, delving into creative work, and internal collaborations. Between that and the grueling task of assuring our own financial survival, we rarely share space and see each other’s growth. It’s really a celebration of community and of dance.”
The groups performing in the Dance Sampler include: Arts Ballet Theatre of Florida, New World Dance Ensemble, Cuban Classical Ballet of Miami, Dance Now! Miami, Dimensions Dance Theatre of Miami, Karen Peterson & Dancers, and Ballet Flamenco La Rosa.
Arts Ballet Theatre of Florida will present “La Traviata Pas de Deux” a stunning contemporary ballet from Artistic Director Vladimir Issaev, with music from Verdi’s opera “La Traviata.”
New World Dance Ensemble will present “The Envelope” from 1984 by iconic modern dance choreographer David Parsons. It is a rare treat to see this athletic and somewhat satirical work done in Miami.
Cuban Classical Ballet of Miami will perform at the Daniel Lewis Dance Sampler. (Photo by Simon Soong)
Cuban Classical Ballet of Miami will dance a trio called “Lecuona Suite.” Choreographed by Artistic Director Eriberto Jimenez, it pays tribute to the legendary Cuban composer Ernesto Lecuona.
Dance NOW! Miami, will present an excerpt of its critically acclaimed “Bridges NOT Walls.” Choreographed collaboratively by Salterini and Baumgarten, it speaks to the global refugee crisis, and the tribalism that divides us.
Dance NOW Miami's "Bridges NOT Walls." (Photo by Simon Soong)
Dimensions Dance Theatre of Miami will present a duet called “Apollo & Daphne,” depicting the Greek myth of its title. It is choreographed by Ben Needham-Wood, artistic director of Boulder Ballet.
“Dimensions is thrilled for the opportunity to participate in the Daniel Lewis Dance Sampler again this year, and we’re especially excited to present Apollo & Daphne, a hauntingly magnetic duet that has become one of our company treasures. We think it will be an inherently beautiful fit for the intimate nature of the NWSA theater,” according to Jennifer Kronenberg, who is artistic director of Dimensions Dance Theatre along with Carlos Guerra.
Dimensions Dance Theatre of Miami's Ariel Morilla and Rafael Ruiz (Photo by Simon Soong)
Karen Peterson and Dancers, the company that first introduced mixed-ability dancing in South Florida will present an excerpt of “DUET 4 FOUR.” With original music by Polina Mahova,it is conceived as an ongoing project addressing connections between dancers of varying abilities, both in and out of wheelchairs.
Dimensions Dance Theatre of Miami's Chloe Freytag and Selah Oliver. (Photo by Simon Soong)
Ballet Flamenco La Rosa will present an excerpt of “Deseo,” a Flamenco Theatre work created by Ilisa Rosal, founding artistic director, inspired by Tennessee Williams' Streetcar Named Desire. Taking place in New Orleans, the work includes musical fusion between Flamenco, Mexican and Blues music.
"We are happy to participate in this beautiful event, where audiences have the opportunity to see so many wonderful dance companies in one evening. Whether you are already a Flamenco lover, or have never seen real Flamenco before, this is a perfect opportunity to experience authentic Flamenco in the context of a theatre work," said Rosal.
She said that the piece includes an interesting musical fusion that transitions into traditional Flamenco rhythms- "with live music, beautiful choreography and exciting improvisation, that makes the art of Flamenco so intense and magical. It is a part of our mission to enrich and expand the reach of Flamenco as a universal art form.” s
Additionally, in reaching this 15th Season, the directors of the Dance Sampler (Salterini, Baumgarten and Lewis) felt the need to acknowledge and recognize the robust arts media and journalists that help to shape the arts in South Florida.
“So few cities outside of New York and Chicago are blessed to have three media outlets and dozens of writers. It is paramount that we acknowledge and celebrate their tireless work to validate and promote what we do, and to work so hard to build community. We are excited to honor Harvey J. Burstein, founder of Miamiartzine, Michelle F. Solomon of ArtburstMiami, Orlando Taquechel, Artburst Espanol and Christine DiMattei, journalist for WLRN Radio. We will also recognize dance writers Cameron Basden, Guillermo Perez, Sean Erwin and Diana Dunbar, “ said Baumgarten.
Karen Peterson and Dancers: From left, Charles Salnave, Sun Young Park, Anastasia Arkin and Marjorie Burnett. (Photo by Karen Peterson Corash)
The Daniel Lewis Dance Sampler is produced by the Florida Dance Education Organization ( FDEO) in collaboration with Lewis's Miami Dance Futures, Dance NOW! Miami and New World School of the Arts.
15th Annual Daniel Lewis Dance Sampler
One Night only October 18
Including Awards Presentation for South Florida Arts JournalistsWHAT:
- 15th Annual Daniel Lewis Dance Sampler featuring seven Florida companies and choreographers.
- Free pre-show reception with honored arts journalists.
WHEN:
- Pre-show reception at 7 p.m., show at 8 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 18
WHERE:
New World Dance Theater, 25 NE 2nd Street, 8th floor, Miami
ADMISSION:
- $25, general admission, $15 students. Reception is free with ticket.
Tickets can be purchased in advance online at www.dancenowmiami.org and at the theater box office night of the event.
INFORMATION:
www.dancenowmiami.org or (305) 975-8489
