A Gala of Styles: Spanish Dance in Concert

The Ballet Español de Cuba (BEC), under the direction of maestro Eduardo Veitía, launches 2025 with renewed energy on the historic stage of the Sala Avellaneda at the National Theater of Cuba. The company will present La danza española en concierto, a gala of styles, on February 14 and 15 at 7:00 p.m. and Sunday, February 16, at 5:00 p.m.

After a year filled with challenges and, above all, successes—highlighted by its second tour of the People’s Republic of China, where Cuba’s name shone brightly with performances in 22 cities across 12 provinces over two months—the company returns to its emblematic venue in Plaza de la Revolución. This gala places Spanish heritage at the forefront, an intrinsic part of Cuban national identity.

The program features pieces such as La boda de Luis Alonso and Danza ritual del fuego, choreographed by Eduardo Veitía; Pasión (Martinete), Añoranza (Balada flamenca)—a tribute to his mentor Aurora Bosh—Arte y tronío (Caracoles), all by Francis Núñez (Spain); Soleá by Pablo Egea (Spain); Fandango by Liliana Fagoaga; Alhambra by Manuel Díaz (Spain); Andalucía and Malagueña by Leslie Ung; as well as Fiesta por bulerías, which will close the performance.

Principal dancers Leslie Ung and Daniel Martínez, along with featured performers Kelly Álvarez and Náyara Calderón, will take center stage alongside the company’s ensemble.

Spanish dance will take the spotlight in a concert that vividly showcases flamenco’s influence on Cuba’s own rhythms, as well as the strong percussive foundation that defines the music and dance of the Caribbean’s largest archipelago, according to information provided by journalist Toni Piñera to Radio Enciclopedia.

This is the brilliance of Spanish heritage, brought to life by a company that has captivated Cuban audiences—and many beyond—through performances that embody the essence of national identity.

Translated by Luis E. Amador Dominguez