Havana as the epicenter of world dance

During 26 editions, the International Ballet Festival of Havana has been able to move its audience, some even come from far away to enjoy in the first row of the world dance event. For the present edition, inaugurated last night at the Gran Teatro de La Habana "Alicia Alonso", the organizers have raised the ribbon to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the founding of the National Ballet of Cuba (BNC) and the 75th of the stage debut of Alicia Alonso in the role of Giselle.

Sunday night was full of timely praise to the prestigious Cuban company. Miguel Díaz-Canel, President of the Councils of States and Ministers of the Republic of Cuba, highlighted the importance of this institution for the national culture. At the same time, the president conveyed the congratulations sent by the First Secretary of the Communist Party of Cuba, Army General Raul Castro Ruz, especially to its founder, the prima ballerina absolute Alicia Alonso. Also attended the inaugural gala, Alpidio Alonso Grau, Minister of Culture.

The concert program chosen for the opening included the works The Death of Narcissus, played by Dani Hernández, Symphony of Gottschalk, by the first figures of the BNC, and In the Night, creation of the American ballet teacher Jerome Robbins. In addition to a special presentation of children of the Cuban School of Ballet.

The International Ballet Festival of Havana will run until November 6 with the presence of dance personalities such as Paloma Herrera, Director of the Stable Ballet of the Teatro Colón, Argentina; Kara Medoff Barnett, Executive Director of the American Ballet Theater, United States and Pontus Lidberg, artistic director of the Danish Theater, as well as the functions of leading companies including the Ballet of the Grand Theater in Geneva, the Prague Ballet, the Antonio Gades Foundation and the Rafael Amargo Company.