George Balanchine’s diverse choreography could be compared to the many dialects of a sprawling land. To declare one dance company better than another in interpreting his work would be overly simplistic. But when Miami City Ballet finds that perfect combination of cast and Balanchine ballet, the performance touches both newcomers and seasoned balletomanes in powerful and penetrating ways.

Such was the case Friday night at the Kravis Center, where Miami City Ballet — launching its 26th season — opened Program 1 with the evening’s greatest work, Balanchine’s Square Dance (1957), set to music of Vivaldi and Corelli.