DHR Global Assists Miami City Ballet with Artistic Director Search
June 17, 2025 – Talent advisory firm DHR Global has assisted in the recruitment of Gonzalo Garcia as the new artistic director of the Miami City Ballet. The search was led by Philip DeBoer, partner. “As to be expected for a company with the illustrious artistic reputation of Miami City Ballet, we received tremendous interest in the opportunity from around the world,” Mr. DeBoer said. “By the end of a very comprehensive search, with dozens of candidates vetted, Gonzalo was the unanimous choice of the search committee. Gonzalo’s achievements and accolades from his esteemed career speak for themselves, but what truly sets him apart is his character. He has this rare, remarkable ability to innately inspire and motivate others through his authentic love for ballet, for people, and for hard work.”
“As a naturalized Hispanic immigrant who has successfully integrated into two major markets and become beloved by audiences and colleagues at two other premier ballet companies, we have great confidence in bringing Gonzalo to Miami and having him represent Miami City Ballet in this community and across the ballet field,” Mr. DeBoer continued. “His unique knowledge, skills, and traits are perfectly suited to sustain and elevate the exceptional artistic product of Miami City Ballet as its artistic director at this moment in its 40-year history and going forward.”
“We are delighted to welcome Gonzalo to the artistic helm of Miami City Ballet,” said Jeff Davis, chair of the board of trustees. “His international credentials are matched by his genuine devotion to mentoring dancers and engaging audiences. Gonzalo brings with him deep relationships with many of the world’s most prominent choreographers—Justin Peck, Alexei Ratmansky, Christopher Wheeldon, Patricia Delgado, and more. He is uniquely poised to steer the company and school towards their next level of excellence and impact as we continue to elevate the performing arts profile of Miami.”
“Miami City Ballet is thrilled to have Gonzalo join us as we continue to make progress on our strategic plan to elevate Miami and service artists in a sustainable manner,” Mr. Davis said. “His impressive credentials coupled with his collaborative nature will be a true asset for the company, our school, and our city. We are grateful for DHR Global’s extensive and efficient process in this critical search.”
Mr. Garcia is a celebrated international artist, mentor, and arts leader whose 25-year career spans two of the most prestigious ballet companies in the United States: San Francisco Ballet and New York City Ballet (NYCB). He brings to Miami City Ballet a global perspective, deep artistic integrity, and a vibrant vision that balances classical tradition with creative expansion
Mr. Garcia joins Miami City Ballet from his dual positions as repertory director for New York City Ballet and faculty member for School of American Ballet (SAB), where he has been mentoring dancers, staging ballets, and collaborating across departments to support new commissions, development initiatives, and marketing efforts. Born in Zaragoza, Spain, Mr. Garcia began studying ballet at the age of eight at Estudio de Danza María de Ávila. At 15, he became the youngest dancer to win gold medal at the prestigious Prix de Lausanne, which led to an invitation to study at the San Francisco Ballet School.
Mr. Garcia joined San Francisco Ballet in 1998 and quickly rose through the ranks, becoming a principal dancer in 2002. During his decade with the company, he was celebrated for his technical command and dramatic versatility, performing lead roles in Giselle, Romeo and Juliet, and originating roles in works by Lar Lubovitch, Mark Morris, and Helgi Tomasson. In 2007, Mr. Garcia joined NYCB as a principal dancer – one of the few hired externally at that level. Over 15 years, Mr. Garcia became known for his compelling interpretations of Balanchine and Robbins, performing iconic works like Apollo, Dances at a Gathering, and Prodigal Son. He also originated roles in numerous contemporary ballets by Justin Peck, Alexei Ratmansky, and Christopher Wheeldon. In 2018, Mr. Garcia became the first non-alumnus to join the faculty of SAB. Four years later, he became the only Repertory Director at NYCB to simultaneously teach at SAB.
Related: DHR Global Recruits Artistic Director for the Brooklyn Academy of Music
“Gonzalo, in many ways, represents the future of ballet,” said Kristina Newman-Scott, vice president of arts at Knight Foundation. “His passion, experience, and charisma make him an ideal candidate for the artistic director role at Miami City Ballet. He has the potential to spark exciting national and international collaborations, which will benefit Miami and our diverse communities.”
Honoring an Impressive Legacy
“I am energized by the opportunity to lead Miami City Ballet at this dynamic moment,” said Gonzalo Garcia. “Miami is barreling into the future with unparalleled momentum. It’s a city simmering with creativity, diversity, and rich cultural exchange – I intend to channel that electricity into every fiber of Miami City Ballet. My goal is to continue honoring the company’s impressive legacy, while igniting new vibrancy and excellence. I’ll champion new voices and ideas alongside beloved masterworks and build bridges between artistic innovation and audience connection. Ballet can soar when it’s both brilliant and inclusive, with one foot rooted in tradition and the other leaping into the future.”
DHR Global Lands New Leader for the Miami City Ballet
Following an extensive, six-month international search, James Abruzzo of DHR Global has recruited Chicago’s Auditorium Theatre CEO Tania Castroverde Moskalenko as the new executive director of the Miami City Ballet. “It is a ballet company chair’s dream to lead an organization with top talent, leadership, and vision in both the artistic and administrative realms,” said Kristi Jernigan , chair of the board of trustees of Miami City Ballet. “With the arrival of Tania Castroverde Moskalenko, in partnership with our artistic director, Lourdes Lopez, we indeed have the ‘dream team.”
Founded in 1985 by Miami philanthropist Toby Lerner Ansin, Miami City Ballet has grown into one of the nation’s premier ballet companies. Its artistic leadership has included founding artistic director Edward Villella (1985–2012), Lourdes Lopez (2012–2025), and current artistic director Gonzalo Garcia. Renowned for its vibrant dancers, distinctive repertoire, and dynamic performances rooted in the legacy of George Balanchine, the company performs for nearly 125,000 audience members annually and tours both nationally and internationally
Since 1989, DHR Global has been a leading, privately held provider of executive search solutions with more than 50 wholly owned offices spanning the globe. The firm’s consultants specialize in all industries and functions, providing senior-level executive search, management assessment, and succession planning services.
Mr. DeBoer has deep experience recruiting for CEOs and other executives across a broad range of non-profit organizations. His strengths in strategy, communication, networking, and project management have made him a sought-after consultant and valued partner to his clients. As a member of the non-profit practice, Mr. DeBoer specializes in serving the arts and cultural sector, including zoos, aquariums, arboreta, and science centers. He also works with select foundations, social service organizations, and health related charities. In addition to its work throughout the United States, DHR’s non-profit practice serves clients in Asia, Europe, Central and South America, and the Middle East.
Related: DHR Global Places Top Leaders for Three Arts and Cultural Groups
Contributed by Scott A. Scanlon, Editor-in-Chief and Dale M. Zupsansky, Executive Editor – Hunt Scanlon Media
