After more than a yearlong search, the board of the Cincinnati Ballet is turning to former dancer and longtime company member Cervilio Miguel Amador – or Cervi to those who know him – to serve as its next artistic director.
Amador has been a member of the Cincinnati Ballet family since arriving from Cuba 20 years ago. After beginning his career as a soloist, he quickly rose through the ranks to principal dancer before proving himself as a creative leader for the ballet. Following his retirement after the 2019-2020 season, he transitioned to company rehearsal director before assuming the interim artistic director position in September 2023.
“It is an honor to serve as artistic director of this company that I cherish with all my heart,” said Amador, who said Cincinnati has become his home over the past two decades.
“I am proud to have moved my extended family here from Cuba and am raising my three children with my wife, Jackie Damico Amador, in our beautiful Queen City,” he added. “I am so grateful for the opportunities I have been given and am energized to take the company to the next level.”
In a statement, board Chair Emerson Moser noted that Amador impressed the organization with his leadership capabilities over the past year.
“After a robust and thorough external search process, it became clear that Cervi has a unique passion for and understanding of Cincinnati Ballet that combine to make him well positioned to lead the artistic future of the Company,” Moser continued.
A year of change for the Cincinnati Ballet
Amador ascended to the top of the Cincinnati Ballet’s leadership team following the seemingly abrupt departure of former artistic director Jodie Gates just a week into the start of the 2023-24 season. Gates, who took over artistic control over the ballet and the Otto M. Budig Academy in January 2022, left to “pursue other opportunities.” The board described the move as a mutual decision.
At the time of his then-temporary promotion, Amador received the full support of the ballet’s board including Joel Stone, a current member and the chair at the time of personnel move.
Deborah S. Brant, Cincinnati Ballet’s president and CEO, noted that Amador took on “complex leadership responsibilities” as he transitioned from rehearsal director. It’s not yet clear what, if any, immediate changes Amador plans to make. His statement didn’t go into any specifics, but he expressed a desire to create “new opportunities for our dancers, deepening the company’s relationship with the community”
Brant, who took over her role around the same time as Amador’s interim term began, voiced confidence that he has the skills and history with the company to carry out those goals.
“He brings to this critical leadership role a deep understanding of Cincinnati Ballet and the community,” she said. “I have enjoyed working with Cervi and look forward to future opportunities for this incredible company.”
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