Alicia Alonso, one of the icons of dance, received on September 8th , the news that the State Council of the Republic of Cuba had agreed to add her name to the Grand Theatre of Havana, the oldest coliseum in Latin America.
She was born in Havana on December 21, 1920, but who could have imagined then that she would conquer with her talent and right doing the most diverse audiences; that she would own the applause of the world; that Giselle, Odette, Kitri, etc., would come to this day by the special finish of her works. In 1948, with Alberto and Fernando Alonso, she founded the National Ballet of Cuba, and thanks to her teaching and inexhaustible will, become her dreams in the Cuban school of ballet. Alicia Alonso is the essence of her people and its culture, so nobody is surprised that the Gran Teatro de La Habana carries her name.
Alicia Alonso agreed willingly to thank through the pages of Art by Excellencies.
«The Gran Teatro de La Habana is the pride of the Cubans, for its long history of service to the performing arts. It has hosted celebrities of dance, opera, music and theater. Its architecture is part of the Havana scenery; its image is dear and familiar to everyone.
«For me, as an artist, it is a high honor that has been willing to add my name to such a prestigious institution. I worked with the National Ballet of Cuba in its scenarios for many years. The audience, which has welcomed us for so many years with admiration and respect, is an endearing presence for us.
«My gratitude to the Council of State of Cuba, and my people, who have received with joy the news that there is now a Gran Teatro de La Habana Alicia Alonso. In these moments come to mind artists who previously performed in this theater and the generosity that means choosing the name of one of them. To be the chosen one is such a beautiful and generous action that is something beyond me. The only thing I can say is: Thank you, thank you very much! ».
