Today we’d like to introduce you to Eriberto Jiménez.
Hi Eriberto, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I was born in Bogotá, Colombia, into a family with no connection to the arts. In fact, dance was not something I grew up around. It wasn’t until I was about 15 years old, through some of my cousins, that I had my first exposure to dance. From the moment I stepped into a dance studio, it was love at first sight. I immediately knew I had found something special.
I received a scholarship and began my training at the Triknia Kabhelioz Contemporary School of Dance, eventually becoming a member of the company and participating in national and international tours while pursuing a degree in Accounting and Business Administration at Colegio La Salle.
A few years later, during a tour to the United States, I received a scholarship from Miami Hispanic Ballet and later attended the Joffrey Ballet School in New York. For a variety of reasons, I decided to remain in Miami, and that decision led me to meet my mentor, Pedro Pablo Peña, whose vision and dedication to the arts had a profound impact on my life. Over time, I became involved with the organizations he founded, many of which I now have the privilege of leading.
Throughout my career, I have been fortunate to perform professionally in classical ballet, contemporary dance, jazz, television productions, music videos, and touring shows. I also discovered a passion for teaching and mentoring young artists, something that continues to bring me great satisfaction.
Looking back, I never imagined that dance would change my life and take me on such a remarkable journey. It has allowed me to travel the world, meet extraordinary people, build lifelong friendships, and ultimately dedicate my life to the arts. Most importantly, it has brought me to where I am today.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It definitely has not been an easy or smooth journey. Choosing a career in the arts, especially in dance, comes with many challenges. Growing up, not everyone viewed dance as a profession, and there were certainly stereotypes and misconceptions about pursuing a life in the arts.
Like many artists, I faced moments of uncertainty, financial challenges, and difficult decisions. Building a career in dance requires discipline, perseverance, and a willingness to take risks. There were times when opportunities seemed limited, and I had to work hard to prove myself and earn the trust of those around me.
One of the greatest lessons I have learned is the importance of persistence. Success rarely happens overnight. Every performance, every class, every setback, and every achievement became part of the journey. I also learned the value of mentorship. Meeting Pedro Pablo Peña and working alongside him taught me not only about the art of dance but also about leadership, community service, and the responsibility of preserving cultural traditions.
Looking back, I would not describe the journey as easy, but I would say it has been incredibly rewarding. The challenges helped shape who I am today and taught me that if you truly believe in something and are willing to work for it, you can build a meaningful life doing what you love.
As you know, we’re big fans of Miami Hispanic Ballet. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
I am fortunate to lead several organizations that work together to promote the arts and cultural exchange in our community. The Cuban Classical Ballet of Miami, the International Ballet Festival of Miami, the Miami Hispanic Cultural Arts Center, and the Creation Art Center each have a unique mission, but all share the common goal of making the arts accessible and meaningful to people of all ages and backgrounds.
The Cuban Classical Ballet of Miami is dedicated to preserving and presenting the great classical ballet repertoire while providing performance opportunities for dancers and arts education for the community. The International Ballet Festival of Miami, now in its 31st year, has become one of the premier dance festivals in the United States, bringing together artists and companies from around the world and serving as a platform for cultural exchange and artistic excellence.
At the Miami Hispanic Cultural Arts Center and the Creation Art Center, we present a wide variety of programs including dance, theater, music, literary events, visual arts exhibitions, films, lectures, and educational activities. We strive to create a welcoming cultural home where artists can share their work and audiences can engage with diverse artistic traditions.
What sets our organizations apart is the breadth of our programming and our commitment to both artistic excellence and community service. We present internationally recognized artists while also supporting emerging talent, local creators, and educational initiatives. We are equally committed to preserving cultural heritage and creating new opportunities for future generations.
What I am most proud of is the impact these organizations have had on the community. Over the years, we have welcomed thousands of audience members, supported countless artists, and created opportunities for people to connect through the arts. At the end of the day, our work is about bringing people together, inspiring creativity, and demonstrating that the arts are an essential part of a vibrant and healthy community.
One of our core beliefs is that the arts should be accessible to everyone. At the Miami Hispanic Cultural Arts Center, many of our events are offered free of charge, and we welcome visitors every day to explore the historic J.W. Warner House, one of Miami’s hidden cultural treasures. Guests can enjoy ongoing art exhibitions and view historical documents and artifacts connected to the home’s original owners.
For our ballet school, theater performances, and cultural programs, we strive to keep ticket prices and tuition affordable while maintaining the highest standards of artistic excellence. We believe that quality in the arts should not be reserved for a particular social or economic group. Exceptional artistic experiences, professional training, and cultural enrichment should be available to everyone.
We are proud to demonstrate that outstanding artistic quality, strong technical standards, and meaningful cultural experiences do not always have to come with a high price tag. Our goal is to ensure that as many people as possible can participate in and enjoy the arts, regardless of their background.
Risk taking is a topic that people have widely differing views on – we’d love to hear your thoughts.
• Can you talk to us a bit about happiness and what makes you happy?
For me, happiness comes from living a life with purpose and being able to make a positive impact on others. Some of my happiest moments have been on stage, performing, teaching and sharing the beauty of dance with others. Through the organizations I lead, I have the privilege of bringing people together through the arts, creating spaces where different cultures, generations, and perspectives can connect. Seeing those connections happen is incredibly rewarding.
Looking back on my journey, I feel grateful that a passion I discovered as a teenager has allowed me to build a career, serve my community, and dedicate my life to something I truly love.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @miamihispanicculturalartscenter
- Facebook: @miamihispanicculturalartscenter
- Twitter: @miamihispanicculturalartscenter
- Other: @cubanclassicalballetofmiami, @cubanclassicalballetofmiamischool, @internationalballetfestivalofmiami, @creationartcenter
