Premiere and Celebrations of the National Ballet of Cuba with British Friends (+Photos)

With the world premiere of Lucile, specially conceived for the National Ballet of Cuba (BNC) by the Danish dancer and choreographer Johan Kobborg, the Cuban company led by Viengsay Valdés celebrates ten years of collaboration with the British Friends of the National Ballet of Cuba. This fruitful relationship has facilitated the incorporation of works by world-renowned choreographers into its repertoire.

The program to be presented next week in the Avellaneda Hall of the National Theater of Cuba will also showcase Celeste, the first choreographic collaboration with the British Friends. «This is a well-deserved recognition of their unconditional and altruistic support,» remarked principal dancer Viengsay Valdés to the press, having observed part of the rehearsals. Lucile is a response to a request by the general director of the BNC to the great Danish master, who, according to his own words, was inspired “by how we all dream of a different kind of love, in addition to achieving a purpose, a goal through a dream.” He explains further: «The ballet is also set in a dance environment. It is inspired by Lucile Grahn, an icon representing ballet in Denmark and August Bournonville. The ballet draws inspiration from these idols that we all aspire to be.»

Lucile, approximately 50 minutes long, evokes the figure of the great Danish ballerina Lucile Grahn, emblematic of the Romantic Era. Its music, composed by Gavin Sutherland, is based on works by the French Romantic composer Jules Massenet. The costumes were created by Natalia Steward, the set design is by Johan Kobborg himself, and the lighting design is by Joey Walls.

In the first performance on Saturday, July 6, Viengsay Valdés will dance the role of Lucile, adding a new character to her fruitful artistic career, with which she celebrates precisely three decades since her professional debut with the ballet Majísimo.

For Maestro Valdés, Kobborg’s presence and the preparation for the premiere have been very demanding, involving the dancers, the technical aspects, and the production. «And I truly believe it is a ballet that contributes to the company. A world premiere of the National Ballet of Cuba with new facets through which the dancers can develop, explore more of the interpretive aspects, not just the technical. And for this, we have this great star, Johan Kobborg, an outstanding master, dancer, and choreographer.»

The return of the Danish artist to Cuba signifies a return home, as he has been here on several occasions. His debut took place in 1998 during the celebrations of the 50th anniversary of the National Ballet of Cuba. The Cuban audience knows him well from his performances at the International Ballet Festivals of Havana in 2004, and five years later with the Royal Ballet of Great Britain.

Kobborg believes that the Cuban and Danish ballet schools share the same strength and energy. «And in that sense, it is very easy for me to be here,» he declares. «It is not only about working with the dancers but also with the personalities representing the culture, which makes me feel at home, among friends.»