Don't miss the Miami City Ballet at the City Center Theater, June 21-25, in its Manhattan debut, with two programs.

Under the artistic direction of Edward Villella, this excellent company will perform in six performances, classics by George Balanchine and Twyla Tharp's "In the Upper Room." It is a first return home to the City Center where New York City Ballet performed when Villella himself was a member of that company.

Miami will perform Balanchine's "Symphony in Three Movements," "La Valse," and Tharp's "In the Upper Room," as Program I, with "Square Dance," "Rubies" and "Symphony in C" as Program II of Balanchine.

Miami City dancers are a delight to see since they incorporate the sparkle, musicality and clean technique of the original works. It was founded in 1986 and now consists of 55 dancers with a repertoire of 88 ballets. It tours and has an official school.

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Another exciting series of performances will be given at the 25th anniversary of the New York International Ballet Competition, June 8-28, at the Rose Theater at the Time Warner complex at Columbus Circle.

According to Executive Director Ilona Copen, "young dancers from around the world ages (17-24) come to New York bi-yearly mainly to win medals and scholarships. But it is just as important to meet and observe dancers from other countries, learn authentic variations by their former exponents as they all work together throughout the 2-week preparation period. After the daily class, the contestants are coached with their competing partners in the three classical pas de deuxs chosen by the competition. They are judged individually as well as together and are coached by eminent teachers, judges and artists with world-wide reputations. There is no doubt that much is required of the contestants, but much is given and winners are recognized throughout the professional dance world.

"NYIBC contestants," continues Copen, "are uniquely and totally on scholarship which bears the responsibility of housing, meals, in-city transportation and cultural activities."

NYIBC's Artistic Director is Eleanor D'Antuono, former American Ballet Theatre ballerina and newly appointed Richard Chen See, formerly with the Paul Taylor Dance Company as Director.

Miami City Ballet, SYMPHONY IN C Dancers: Katia Carranza & Renato Penteado Photo © & courtesy of Joe Gato