The talented Cuban-American singer and composer, Emily Estefan, daughter of music icons Gloria and Emilio Estefan, is set to shine alongside Cuban-American choreographer Patricia Delgado in the world premiere of "Push the Buttons of the Civilized." This innovative work will launch the Miami City Ballet's 2026-2027 season this Friday.
Marking her debut in composing for dance, Estefan will perform segments of the music live, as Delgado unveils her first choreographic creation for the esteemed ballet company, as reported by Hoodline.
The Miami City Ballet's 2026-2027 season kicks off with "Push the Buttons of the Civilized," featuring Delgado's first commissioned choreography for the company and Estefan's initial foray into dance composition.
Not only did Estefan compose the score, but she will also be on stage during each performance, singing and playing both guitar and drums. She will lead a band that provides the musical backdrop from the orchestra pit.
The majority of the score is drawn from Estefan's debut album, "Take Whatever You Want" (2017), which she wrote at the age of 18. The production will also feature some unreleased tracks. The orchestration was crafted by Gary Sheldon, and the ballet's title is inspired by lyrics from that album.
The performance includes a recording of a lullaby sung by Emily's maternal grandmother, Gloria Fajardo, who passed away in 2017. The piece opens with a parental pas de deux blending classical technique with Latin social dance and Afro-Caribbean influences.
Delgado's Journey from Dancer to Choreographer
Patricia Delgado, the child of first-generation Cuban immigrants, was born and raised in Miami, beginning her dance training at the tender age of five under Cuban instructors. She served as a principal dancer with the Miami City Ballet for nearly 17 years, from 2000 to 2017, before transitioning to choreography.
Her acclaim as a choreographer was solidified in June 2025 when she received the Tony Award for Best Choreography with Justin Peck for the Broadway musical "Buena Vista Social Club," a production deeply rooted in Cuban culture.
Returning to the stage where she grew up, Delgado now steps into the role of creator.
A Collaborative Effort
The partnership between Delgado and Estefan was forged during the rehearsals of the musical "Basura," premiered at the Alliance Theatre in Atlanta in 2026. Estefan co-wrote the music with her mother, Gloria Estefan, while Delgado handled the choreography.
The collaboration was proposed by Gonzalo García, the artistic director of the Miami City Ballet, early in his tenure, which officially began in August 2025.
"Push the Buttons of the Civilized" anchors the mixed program "American Rhythms," which also features two American repertoire classics: "Allegro Brillante" (1956) by George Balanchine, set to Tchaikovsky's music, and "N.Y. Export: Opus Jazz" (1958) by Jerome Robbins.
For this production, designer Zac Posen crafted new costumes for the 16 dancers of "Opus Jazz" in collaboration with GapStudio. This marks the first authorized redesign of the original costumes, utilizing denim Infinity Stretch and modified construction techniques.
The performances will be held in Miami on October 16 and 17 at 7:30 p.m. and on October 18 at 1:00 p.m., at the Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts (1300 Biscayne Blvd).
In Fort Lauderdale, shows are scheduled for October 24 at 7:30 p.m. and October 25 at 1:00 p.m. and 6:30 p.m., at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts (201 SW Fifth Ave).
Exploring the Collaboration Between Emily Estefan and Patricia Delgado
Who are the main contributors to "Push the Buttons of the Civilized"?
The main contributors are Emily Estefan, who composed the music, and Patricia Delgado, who choreographed the ballet.
What is the significance of the music in this ballet?
The music is significant as it includes pieces from Emily Estefan's debut album and features a recording by her grandmother, adding a personal and cultural depth to the performance.
How did the collaboration between Estefan and Delgado begin?
Their collaboration began during the rehearsals of the musical "Basura," where Estefan co-wrote the music and Delgado was the choreographer.