Both Palmer and Pikieris are former MCB dancers; Gamonet was the company's founding choreographer.

Pikieris told the Herald, "There is no room for us to direct. It has become clear that it's Jimmy's company. Jimmy has the say."

Palmer added, "We're well versed in what collaboration takes. It's has not been part of this process."

Gamonet responded that Palmer and Pikieris had the expected "powers and responsibilities" of artistic directors, and added "I have a vision for where this company needs to go, but I was more than willing to create a new family."

The new company's debut very nearly sold out, and its financial future was shaping up, with support from developers and politicians who hope to revive Miami's downtown. The merger of the two companies was meant to shore up Maximum Dance's financial troubles and dwindling audiences, although the co-directors are now saying that they never wanted to merge.

Pikieris said, "It was a financial decision made by the board. We had no choice."

The new MCB series, plus a children's program, will be administered by Palmer and Pikieris, with artistic and programming decisions made by artistic director Edward Villella. It will launch next January and feature cutting-edge works from choreographers such as Mark Morris and Trey McIntyre.