The National Ballet of Cuba celebrates its 75th anniversary

The National Ballet of Cuba is celebrating its 75th anniversary in October with a big party, looking to the future and honouring the legacy of the founders of this emblematic company, which is part of the country’s patrimony.

From 6 to 28 October, the National Theatre of Cuba will host the performances with a broad and varied programme, including some of the most representative works of the repertoire, from classic pieces to works by foreign choreographers, along with unmistakable titles by some of the Cuban choreographers who contributed to the international reputation of the most important Cuban dance company.

Prima Ballerina Viengsay Valdés, general director of the company, said at a press conference that there would be performances every weekend with different shows based on the great repertoire and invited all dance lovers to celebrate.

The Sala Avellaneda stage will feature works such as Rara Avis, La Cenicienta, Bodas de sangre, Carmen, Don Quijote, El lago de cisnes, Coppelia, Gisselle, Dionaea, Leda y el cisne, Rítmicas and Majísimo, among others.

As part of the celebrations, the general director of the prestigious company has announced the resumption of performances in schools, workplaces and other community venues throughout the country.

Viengsay Valdés stressed that one of the objectives is to bring the art of dance closer to the youngest people, and also to revive the sensibility of those who already enjoy it throughout the country and who have seen the founders and emblematic figures of the company dance.

Viengsay Valdés urged the new generations of dancers to feel committed to the historical legacy of an institution such as the National Ballet. She called on them to continue to contribute so that the company can maintain its well-deserved prestige.

She added that the recent performances of the National Ballet of Cuba in Costa Rica and the Dominican Republic, places where it had not been for more than a decade, had been very well received, confirming the appreciation of the group and its impact on these audiences.

As part of the celebrations, the company’s historian, Dr Miguel Cabrera, will continue to give didactic lectures entitled A Meeting with Dance, Techniques and Styles.

The National Symphony Orchestra of Cuba will also dedicate one of its performances in the Covarrubias Auditorium. This is a reminder that the country’s most important symphony orchestra has accompanied the National Ballet in countless performances and in the various editions of the Havana International Ballet Festival.

Translated by Luis E. Amador Dominguez