Ruby Romero-Issaev shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Ruby, really appreciate you sharing your stories and insights with us. The world would have so much more understanding and empathy if we all were a bit more open about our stories and how they have helped shaped our journey and worldview. Let’s jump in with a fun one: Have any recent moments made you laugh or feel proud?
Every moment makes me proud!
Each time I see young people fulfilling their dreams on stage, I’m reminded of why I do what I do.
I feel immense pride when I witness my peers and coworkers’ passion and dedication—when our teamwork transforms effort into beautiful artists.
And when I see the audience rise to their feet, cheering and applauding after every performance, my heart is full.
I’m also proud of myself—of what I accomplish each day, the challenges I overcome, and the lessons I continue to learn along the way.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I am Ruby Romero-Issaev, the Executive Director of Arts Ballet Theatre of Florida, the Miami International Ballet Competition, and co-owner of the Vladimir Issaev School of Classical Ballet. I am also the President of the Maestro Aldemaro Romero Foundation, which honors my father’s legacy and promotes the preservation of Venezuelan music and culture. Additionally, I proudly serve on the Board of Sovenia USA, a nonprofit organization dedicated to raising awareness and supporting children and adults on the autism spectrum.
Every one of these roles reflects my lifelong commitment to the arts, education, and community. At Arts Ballet Theatre of Florida, we maintain a professional company that provides young dancers with their first professional performing opportunities, helping them launch their careers while offering our community top-notch performances in both classical and neoclassical repertoire. Through our educational and outreach initiatives, we also strive to make classical ballet accessible to all — from children in public schools to audiences experiencing dance for the first time.
What makes our work truly special is the way we connect cultures and generations through dance, fostering inclusion, discipline, and inspiration. I am proud to see how our company and educational programs continue to shape lives, create opportunities, and strengthen the cultural fabric of South Florida and beyond.
Right now, I am working on several exciting projects — writing grant proposals to secure funding for our upcoming initiatives, while simultaneously producing our much-anticipated performances of The Nutcracker and preparing for our participation in Men Who Dance. At the same time, we are opening our studios to young talents and audiences, offering them a unique opportunity to peek behind the scenes and experience our rehearsals up close. Alongside these artistic endeavors, we continue to expand our educational outreach programs in several Miami-Dade County public schools, bringing the joy and discipline of ballet to children who might not otherwise have access to this beautiful art form.
Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. Who taught you the most about work?
Without a doubt, the person who taught me the most about work was my father, Maestro Aldemaro Romero. His self-discipline, dedication, and the example he set as a self-taught musician, producer, and complete artist shaped my understanding of what it means to work with purpose and integrity. I have also learned tremendously from my husband, Maestro Vladimir Issaev, who has taught me the art of classical ballet and the pursuit of excellence in every detail. In addition, I’m grateful to my teachers — especially the nuns at my school — who instilled in me strong values, perseverance, and faith. And, of course, my own determination to accomplish goals has been a driving force; perhaps some of them once seemed like distant dreams, but I’m proud to say that many have come true through hard work and passion.
What have been the defining wounds of your life—and how have you healed them?
I always say that I truly met sadness the day my father passed away. That loss left a deep wound, but I found healing by honoring his legacy — taking care of his music, sharing it with the world, and ensuring that his artistic voice continues to inspire others. Another kind of wound comes from moments when people fail to see the bigger picture behind years of dedication and discipline, and when your intentions are misunderstood. Those experiences can hurt deeply, but I’ve learned that my commitment to our mission, my belief in the transformative power of the arts, and my focus on shaping better human beings through culture and education make me resilient. Every challenge has strengthened my purpose and reminded me that compassion, perseverance, and faith in what we do are the most powerful forms of healing.
Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. What would your closest friends say really matters to you?
That’s probably a question best answered by my friends! I’m fortunate to have very special people in my life — loyal, honest, and passionate souls. Many of them are artists, or they work with children and adults with disabilities, dedicating their lives to meaningful causes. Some I lovingly call “superheroes,” because what they do truly requires extraordinary strength and compassion. Others I call my brothers and sisters, because of the deep connection we share through our missions, our passions, and our belief in the transformative power of the arts.
So, if having friends like that reflects who I am and what truly matters to me, then I’ll let you be the judge. I just feel incredibly lucky to walk through life surrounded by such people.
Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. If you knew you had 10 years left, what would you stop doing immediately?
Honestly, nothing! I wouldn’t stop doing anything because I truly love what I do. If I knew I had ten years left, I’d probably keep going with even more passion, continuing to create, teach, and bring art and culture to others. The only thing I might do differently is finally go through the mountains of papers and files on my desk — just to make things easier for those who’ll have to sort through them later! But in all seriousness, my work gives meaning to my life, and I’d spend those years doing exactly what fulfills me most.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Artsballettheare.org
- Instagram: @rubylaunica
- Twitter: RubyRomero
- Facebook: RubyRomero
- Youtube: Ruby Romero
Image Credits
@patriciasphotography
