Miami International Ballet Competition Concludes 8th Edition

The 8th edition of the Miami International Ballet Competition (MIBC) concluded in a spectacular celebration of dance, featuring outstanding young talents, prestigious awards, and unforgettable performances. The competition, held at the Julius Littman North Miami Beach Theater, brought together top-tier ballet competitors from across the globe, offering them unparalleled opportunities for artistic growth and professional advancement.

The Gala Performance was a breathtaking highlight of the event, with Karina González and Connor Walsh, principal dancers of Houston Ballet, delivering a mesmerizing Swan Lake Pas de Deux that captivated the audience. Arts Ballet Theatre of Florida’s soloists performed “Una Danza Para Ti” by the legendary Vicente Nebrada, and the vibrant Ensemble “Puerta de Oro” from Colombia made a special appearance, celebrating the upcoming MIBC Open de Medellín, scheduled for September 11-14, 2025.

Beyond the medals and cash prizes, MIBC awarded over 120 scholarships to some of the most renowned international ballet schools and summer programs, providing young dancers with life-changing opportunities. Institutions granting scholarships included: American Ballet Theatre, BalletMet Ohio, Bolshoi School in Brazil, The Sarasota Ballet, International Ballet Competition Belgium, Ballet School of Belgium, Elmhurst Ballet School, Arts Ballet Theatre of Florida, Kaatsbaan Ballet Intensive, Houston Ballet, Grande Fête Ballet Competition, Asia Ballet Academy, Star of Canaan International Ballet Competition, The Harid Conservatory, Hamburg Ballet School, Ballet Nacional do Brasil, Academy Anarella Portugal, The Florida Ballet, and Dance Theatre of Harlem.

Division 1 winners were Nicole Laranja (Brazil) with the Gold Medal, Emma Claire Wang (Singapore) with the Silver Medal, and Leonardo Ramirez (Mexico) with Bronze.

Division 2 winners were Tristynn Collins (USA) with First Place, Silver Medal, Elle Martinos (USA) with Second Place, Silver Medal, and a tie for Third Place, Silver Medal by Alicianna Rodriguez (USA) and Chiara Marambio (Peru).

Division 3 winners were Jada Brown (USA) with First Place, Silver Medal, Katie Haigh (USA) with Second Place, Silver Medal, and Nora Soli (USA) with Third Place, Bronze Medal.

Division 4’s First Place, Gold Medal went to Zoila Pena (Venezuela). The Division 3 Pas de Deux Gold Medal winners were Zoila Pena (Venezuela) and Kaique Barbosa (non-competitor).

The Division 1 Ensemble Winner was Rosie Schottland Ballet Classico – Bugalu! (Peru). The Division 2 Ensemble Winner was Vladimir Issaev School of Classical Ballet – Ukranian Dance (USA). The Dvision 3 Ensemble Winner was Ballet Folklorico Compasses – Galito Purahei (Paraguay).

The Best Choreographer Award was a tie between Ivy Chung (Malaysia) and Giselle Muelle (Peru). The Vladimir Issaev Award is for a dancer that truly represents the art of classical ballet. This year’s winner was Jada Brown (USA).

The distinguished MIBC jury presented the awards on stage, alongside Commissioner Phyllis Smith of the City of North Miami Beach and Lesly Simon of the South Dade Kia Education Fund, both of whom praised the event and expressed their excitement for the continued partnership between MIBC and the City of North Miami Beach.

The Miami International Ballet Competition remains committed to fostering excellence in ballet and supporting the next generation of artists. They thank all participants, jury members, sponsors, and supporters for making this event a success.

For a complete list of winners and more information, visit www.miamiibc.org and follow them on social media @miamiibc.

MIBC Division 2 top 10 competitors, Photo by Patricia’s Photography