Lizt Alfonso Dance Cuba Returns Home and Faces New Challenges on the International Stage

Lizt Alfonso Dance Cuba has returned home with pride after sharing its art across various stages in Spain during an extensive two-month tour, which included prestigious theaters and cities such as EDP Gran Vía in Madrid, Apolo in Barcelona, and Principal in Zaragoza.

With their show «¡Cuba vibra!«, the company also captivated audiences at Teatro Ortega in Palencia, Ramos Carrión in Zamora, and Auditorio de Teulada Moraira in its eponymous city. The thunderous applause from audiences and acclaim from critics marked this experience, with titles like » Cuba vibra: un sabroso canto (y baile) al mestizaje.» Critics universally praised the quality of the choreography, largely attributed to director Lizt Alfonso, complemented by contributions from her associates Yadira Hernández and Diana Fernández, who crafted additional scenes.

Media outlets highlighted the seamless dramaturgy of the «sublimely crafted» performance, the exquisite artistic and technical delivery of the dancers, the outstanding performance of the musical ensemble under Carmen Souto’s direction, and guest vocalist Yaíma Sáez, whose powerful voice also won cheers from the audience. The costume designs, reflecting the talents of Eduardo Arrocha, Eric Grass, and Oscar de la Portilla, alongside the scenography enhanced with projections by graphic artist Raúl Valdés (RAUPA), underscored the company’s perfected fusion style that has defined it for over thirty years.

Several critics noted the collaborative developments during the tour between the Cuban company and institutions, dancers, teachers, and choreographers such as María Eliezer Truco (La Truco) and Cristian El Truco, flamenco dancers and teachers from the Flamenco School of Andalusia. Also mentioned were Sara Martín (dancer) and her group, invited by the company to perform Lizt Alfonso’s choreography «De Novo». Additionally, Spanish choreographer and teacher María Rovira, and maestros Lázaro Carreño, Dagmara Brown, and Lourdes Rojas, among others.

New Challenges Ahead

Back in Cuba, the iconic company prepares for new artistic challenges such as the international premiere of «Habana Fénix» at the Gran Carbet Aimé Césaire in Martinique, a beautiful Caribbean island where the group triumphed in 2019 with «¡Cuba vibra!» They return to Gran Carbet Aimée Cesaire on July 15 and 16.

Also on the agenda is the 30th Summer Course of Lizt Alfonso Dance Cuba, taking place in two stages. The first from July 15 to 27, concluding with a gala at Teatro Martí in Havana. The second stage runs from July 29 to August 10, aiming to enrich the knowledge of artists and enthusiasts alike, emphasizing the full enjoyment of dance.

Furthermore, the graduation ceremony for the Artistic Teaching Group of Lizt Alfonso Dance Cuba School will take place on Saturday, July 27.

Source and photos: Lizt Alfonso Dance Cuba.

Translated by Luis E. Amador Dominguez