Ballet Gamonet, led by former Miami City Ballet choreographer Jimmy Gamonet De Los Heros, has not yet been launched despite a $300,000 grant from the city to renovate a rehearsal space and theater. De Los Heros, whose works were very popular when he was with MCB, has not yet hired any dancers.

This works nicely for Maximum Dance: led by former MCB dancers Yanis Pikieris and David Palmer: which has faced a $106,000 debt, dwindling audiences in Miami, and unenthusiastic reviews.

Dennis Edwards, founding president of Maximum, said "Rather than have two struggling organizations, we could have one really well run, well-financed organization."

Gamonet will be artistic director of the new company, and although the specific choreographic program has yet to be worked out, he hopes to present his own new works along with dances from Latin America.

"Maximum Dance was looking for an infusion of energy and resources," Gamonet said, "and we were looking for an entrance into this market. It just made sense to come together."