Viengsay Valdés Receives the Medal of Friendship in Laos

Prima ballerina Viengsay Valdés, director of the National Ballet of Cuba and interim director of the Cuba-Laos Friendship Society, has been awarded the Medal of Friendship by Thongloun Sisoulith, President of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic.

The distinguished artist is leading a delegation of the National Ballet of Cuba on a tour in Laos, presenting a repertoire that combines classical and contemporary works to the Lao people. Laos marks the third and final stop of an intense Asian tour that also included performances in China and Vietnam.

The performance in Laos took place this Sunday at the National Culture Hall and was dedicated to the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Cuba and Laos. It also celebrated another year of the Lao Victory Day festivities.

This marks the third occasion in which Viengsay Valdés has brought her exquisite artistry to Lao audiences. Her first performance in 2004 introduced classical academic dance to Laos, while her 2016 visit commemorated the 90th anniversary of the birth of Fidel Castro, the historic leader of the Cuban Revolution.

Translated by Luis E. Amador Dominguez