28th Havana International Ballet Festival: A Celebration of Diversity
The 28th Alicia Alonso Havana International Ballet Festival is set to be a vibrant showcase of diverse styles, innovative choreographies, and an impressive array of dance companies and participants. Scheduled to run from October 28 to November 10, the festival will take place at the Covarrubias and Avellaneda halls of the National Theatre of Cuba, as well as at the Martí and Karl Marx Theatres.
«Throughout the festival, we will welcome renowned global dance icons, many of whom have played pivotal roles in the history of the Cuban National Ballet. These individuals are not only exceptional dancers but also master teachers and choreographers across multiple generations,» remarked Viengsay Valdés, prima ballerina and General Director of the Cuban National Ballet (BNC), during a recent press conference.
Esteemed figures such as Azari Plisetski, Julio Bocca, José Manuel Carreño, Joaquín de Luz, Elsa Carrillo, Antonio Casalinho, and Marcelo Gomes will participate in the festival. They will perform alongside artists from prestigious companies including Munich Ballet, Bordeaux Ballet, Zurich Ballet, Queensland Ballet (Australia), Birmingham Royal Ballet, Vienna State Ballet, National Ballet of Canada, National Ballet of Panama, Monterrey Ballet, Puerto Rico Concert Ballet, Colombia’s Incolballet, as well as Les Ballets de Monte-Carlo and Anajnu Veatem, a Jewish dance company from Mexico.
«Cuba continues to maintain an impressive artistic standard that allows us to attract these prominent figures who will collaborate with our local company. This year’s festival will feature a blend of seasoned performers and emerging talents from Asia, all showcasing their remarkable skills,» Valdés added.
The program will be further enhanced by performances from several Cuban companies, including Danza Contemporánea de Cuba, the National Folkloric Ensemble of Cuba, Malpaso, Compañía de Danza Otrolado, Camagüey Ballet, and Micompañía.
In an exciting development for this edition, the festival will collaborate with the Habana Clásica Festival. Festival coordinator Heriberto Cabeza announced that acclaimed pianist Marcos Madrigal—director of Habana Clásica—will perform alongside pianist and composer Aldo López-Gavilán Junco and flutist Niurka González.
Special guests this year include Russian conductor and cellist Nikolai Shugaev, who will both conduct and perform in Swan Lake, along with Venezuelan conductor Daniel Gil leading the ballet Carmen. Cabeza emphasized Habana Clásica’s vital contribution to enhancing the festival’s artistic quality.
Additionally, the Cuban National Ballet will debut a specially commissioned piece by Swedish choreographer Pontus Lidberg. As in previous editions, the company will present multiple performances including the opening and closing ceremonies, a show celebrating the 20th anniversary of its collaboration with the British Friends of the Cuban National Ballet, a tribute to Julio Bocca, and a gala honoring the 10th Congress of the Union of Writers and Artists of Cuba.
A major highlight will be six performances of Swan Lake, which is the only full-length classical ballet featured in this year’s program. These performances will showcase principal dancers from the BNC alongside guest stars.
According to organizers, this 28th edition promises to be a grand celebration of both Cuban and international dance. It aligns with Viengsay Valdés’ vision of presenting a broad spectrum of artistic collaboration while bringing together diverse generations on stage—making this festival an unforgettable tribute to the art form.
Translated by Luis E. Amador Dominguez
