Celebrating the Ibero-American Dance Day

Ibero-American Dance Day is being celebrated again on 21 December to mark the birthday of Alicia Alonso, one of the most important figures in the history of this art.

The National Ballet of Cuba, founded by Alicia Alonso in 1948, is celebrating its 75th anniversary this year. Other Cuban and foreign institutions will also take part in the festivities, according to Mauricio Abre, press and public relations director of the emblematic Cuban company.

This celebration also coincides with the 80th anniversary of Alicia Alonso’s debut in Giselle. It is one of her legendary performances and one of the most acclaimed by critics and audiences around the world.

The decision to celebrate Ibero-American Dance Day was taken at an extraordinary meeting of the Foreign Ministers of the Ibero-American Conference. The celebration took place in 2020, coinciding with the centenary of the artist’s birth.

The extraordinary success of Alicia Alonso’s memorable performances in América Nuestra has also earned the great dancer the most important tributes from critics and cultural personalities of these countries, as well as numerous official awards and from cultural institutions.

The importance of Alicia Alonso’s legacy to Latin American and world culture goes beyond her outstanding career as a dancer. It also includes her work as a teacher, choreographer and founder, with which she has shown the great potential of Latin Americans to develop the art of dance without any limitations.

Translated by Luis E. Amador Dominguez