Saturday, November 28, 2026 at 8PM
Sunday, November 29, 2026 at 3PM
Excitement is building! For the past seven years, each November the Men Who Dance festival brings a buzz to the South Florida area in anticipation of the two spectacular performances at the Amaturo Theater in the Broward Center for the Performing Arts. This year, for lucky seven, Artistic Director Rafi Maldonado-Lopez has outdone himself. Over fifty stellar dancers representing nineteen dance companies from countries near and far will bring their talents and choreographic skills to a packed auditorium of men and women, young and old, from every background and ethnicity. It is fair to say that Men Who Dance touches everyone with its beauty, virtuoso performances, and diverse dance styles that range from classical ballet to jazz to hip-hop and everything else in between.
One of the biggest Men Who Dance supporters who has helped in the creation of the festival is Miami resident Lydia Harrison. Lydia has watched Men Who Dance grow into one of the most highly regarded cultural events of the fall season. Lydia and her husband Burton met Rafi Maldonado-Lopez in 2003 when Rafi was the Development Officer at New World School of the Arts (NWSA) at Miami Dade College. Through a shared love of dance, Lydia and Rafi quickly became close friends and, in 2014, worked together to form the Inter-American Choreographic Institute (ICI America) which produces the annual Men Who Dance festival. “I’ve always been a firm believer that investments should be made in human-capital, not buildings or objects. This festival does exactly that. I couldn’t be more pleased with how it’s taken off, especially that we have such a mixed audience. All my girlfriends who attend love it, especially the ‘Tango Twins’ who are returning this year.”
Yes, the “Tango Twins” are definitely adding to this year’s excitement. Born in Lanus, Buenos Aires, identical twins Nicolas and German Filipeli began dancing at the age of fifteen, successfully competing in youth tournaments in Buenos Aires and winning numerous awards. In 2014, they finished fourth at the World Tango Championships, becoming the first men’s couple to reach the finals in history. Then, in 2019, they made history once again by taking third place at the World Tango Championships delivering a “fresh and daring performance.” The fact that they are back speaks volumes about the high level of performance and diversity of styles expected on the stage at the Amaturo.
Steve Lutz, another passionate supporter of the festival, explained what has drawn him to Men Who Dance since its very first year. “This show is a true festival, a celebration of male virility, agility and passion. I recall the first year it was performed. That was 2020 and we were slowly coming out of the pandemic and desperate to see live performance again. The Men Who Dance festival blew me away! I had never seen anything like it. I’ve attended every year since. We are so lucky to have it here in South Florida.” Steve pointed out another reason that fuels his support. “It’s especially important to celebrate this annual event in light of current political forces that threaten it.”
This year also sees the return of Tropilla Malambo for another extraordinary display of footwork, drumming, boleadoras and whips. Once again, they are sure to bring down the house with a thunderous ovation, capping their bravura performance.
As for newcomers to the festival, there’s superstar Francisco “Cisco” Graciano, a founding member of TAKE Dance Company and dancer with the Paul Taylor Company from 2006 to 2017. The New York Times labeled Cisco a “virtuoso star” and Dance Magazine named him one of their “25 to Watch.”
Previous and returning dance companies include members from Miami City Ballet, Dance NOW! Miami, Cuban Classical Ballet, Dimensions Dance Theatre of Miami, RTW Dance, Arts Ballet Theatre of South Florida, Syncopate Dance Collective and special guest artists from Men Who Dance Global Edition, Puerto Rico.
Yes, Men Who Dance is thrilling, spectacular and—whether you are an ardent dance aficionado or a newbie to dance performance—not to be missed. There are only two performances: Saturday, November 28 at 8 PM and Sunday, November 29, 2026 at 3 PM. Both performances are at the Amaturo Theater in the Broward Center for the Performing Arts. Don’t wait! Secure your seats today by going to: www.BrowardCenter/Events/Detail/Men-Who-Dance-2026
