Cuban National Ballet to Dedicate Gala to Vilma Espín’s Legacy

In its upcoming season, the Cuban National Ballet will present a gala performance on March 2 in honor of Vilma Espín, commemorating the 95th anniversary of the renowned Rebel Army combatant and pivotal figure in advancing women’s roles in the Cuban Revolution.

Under the artistic direction of Viengsay Valdés, the company will perform on March 1, 2, 7, 8, and 9 at the Avellaneda Hall of the National Theater of Cuba. Shows will take place on Fridays and Saturdays at 8:30 p.m. and Sundays at 5:00 p.m., according to the company’s press department.

The March 1 and 2 program will feature El peso del instante, one of the company’s latest premieres, choreographed specifically for the Cuban National Ballet by Pontus Lidberg, with music by Cuban composer and pianist Aldo López-Gavilán, who will perform live. Also included are Ballet 101 by Eric Gauthier, Lucile pas de deux by Johan Kobborg, and Grand Pas de Paquita, a classical piece by renowned French choreographer Marius Petipa.

From March 7 to 9, the program will showcase Después del diluvio by Alberto Méndez, Grand Pas de Paquita, and a selection of pas de deux, including El corsario, El talismán, The Merchant and the Slave, and Diana and Actaeon. Additionally, two works by British choreographer Ben Stevenson—End of Time and Esmeralda Pas de Deux—will be performed. Maestro Idalgel Marquetti will conduct the Symphony Orchestra of the Alicia Alonso Grand Theater of Havana.

Tickets will be available for purchase at the National Theater of Cuba’s box office starting February 11, from Tuesday to Friday, between 1:00 and 6:00 p.m. On performance days, tickets can be bought from 1:00 p.m. until 30 minutes after the show begins.

Translated by Luis E. Amador Dominguez

Photo: Alicia Alonso and Vilma Espín / Cuban National Ballet