From Havana to the Heights: Dancing in Community with Cervilio Miguel Amador

This month's guest is Cervilio Miguel Amador. Cervi  is a multifaceted artist, entrepreneur, and transformative figure in  the dance world. He received his education and training at the  Vocational Ballet School in Camagüey, Cuba, and the National Ballet  School of Cuba. Cervi began his professional career with the National  Ballet of Cuba, starting as a Corps de Ballet dancer and later advancing  to the role of Corifeo (demi-soloist). In 2004, he joined Cincinnati  Ballet as a Soloist, and in 2006, he was promoted to Principal Dancer,  becoming one of the youngest in the company’s history.

After  retiring as a Principal Dancer during the 2019-2020 season, Cervi  transitioned to the role of Rehearsal Director, where he focused on  coaching and mentoring dancers both inside and outside the studio. He  also played an active role in the Cincinnati Ballet’s Diversity, Equity,  Inclusion, and Accessibility Task Force, advocating for sustainable  change for current and future dancers.

In  September 2023, the Cincinnati Ballet Board of Trustees appointed Cervi  as Interim Artistic Director. In this capacity, he actively planned the  repertoire for upcoming seasons, curated and commissioned new works,  and collaborated with the leadership team to shape his artistic vision  for the company. Cervi has been instrumental in fostering community  partnerships and broadening the reach of the art form both locally and  internationally. The Cincinnati Ballet Board of Trustees appointed Cervi  as permanent Artistic Director in December 2024.

OhioDance  A State of Dance is a six-part series coming out the fourth Friday of   each month through November 2025. This podcast is driven by the OhioDance mission to secure the foothold of dance in Ohio through  increasing visibility, firming viability, and elevating the position of  dance in Ohio.

In  2016, a five-person team set out on a mission to capture the  achievements of persons and institutions who have shaped the intricate  diversity of dance history and practice within the state of Ohio and  weave them together in an easily accessible digital format. This we call  the OhioDance Virtual Dance Collection. As of 2025 we have highlighted  42 individuals and institutions. The team has traveled over 5000 miles  and interviewed hundreds of individuals in all five regions of Ohio.⁠ vdc.ohiodance.org⁠

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