Long-known for its
tropical beaches and nonstop nightlife, Miami is now
earning a reputation as an important arts and cultural
center. According to the Greater Miami Convention &
Visitors Bureau, the area had the fastest growing
cultural community in the nation, with more than 700
non-profit cultural groups listed.
Among the cultural
treasures enjoyed by visitors and residents are the
Miami City Ballet, the New World Symphony, the Florida
Grand Opera, the Florida Philharmonic Orchestra, and the
Ballet Flamenco La Rosa. In addition, the city boasts
many venues for cutting edge cinema and hosts several
film festivals annually.
Miami's diverse cultures
converge in the arts. Leading the way is the
Performing Arts Network (PAN), a non-profit
coalition of performing artists and art organizations
dedicated to dance, music, and theater. PAN offers
performances in numerous dance traditions, including
Israeli, Egyptian, Brazilian, and Cuban, as well as new
works in modern, jazz, and ballet.
With roots everywhere in
the community, the group sponsors interactive children's
music and dance shows. During the holidays, PAN
celebrates with multi-ethnic performances focusing on
African, Latin American, and Middle Eastern cultures. At
other times the community is invited to join the Ballet
Flamenco La Rosa in a Spanish-style "jam
session" either dancing or hand clapping. PAN
excels at bringing cultures together. There is English
country dancing, May Pole dancing, Afro-Haitian music,
Afro-Cuban music, and demonstrations of casino-style
salsa, meringue, and tango. The cultural Mecca of Miami
is alive with the cross-fertilization of dance, music,
and performances of all the different people who have
come to its shore.
Performing Arts Network
555 17th St., Miami Beach
(305) 672-0552
ARTS
& ENTERTAINMENT
ATTRACTIONS
