Viengsay Valdés and Ányelo Montero to Perform at Ballet Gala in Italy

Viengsay Valdés, prima ballerina and general director of the National Ballet of Cuba, and Ányelo Montero, principal dancer, will be appearing at the Grand Gala with the stars to be held at the Modern Theatre in Grosseto, Italy, this Sunday, 24th March. They will be joined by some of the foremost exponents of international dance.

The Cuban dancers will perform the pas de deux of the classic Don Quixote and the third pas de deux of Love Fear Loss, choreography by Ricardo Amarante. In the latter, they will be accompanied on stage by the renowned Cuban pianist Marcos Madrigal. Additionally, alongside showcasing her artistry as a dancer, Viengsay Valdés will also lead a masterclass.

Attending the gala will be Fumi Kaneko and Vadim Muntagirov, principal figures from the Royal Ballet in London; Elisa Carrillo Cabrera and Mikhail Kaniski, from the Berlin State Opera Ballet; and Maia Makhateli, from the Dutch National Ballet, among others.

The Gran Gala con las estrellas will be a showcase of classical and contemporary dance conceived by Professor Debora Ferretti, director and organizer of events aimed at providing opportunities for young students. Indeed, alongside the world-famous stars, several selected students from prestigious academies in Europe and emerging talents from dance schools in Tuscany will also perform on stage.

In the words of Debora Ferretti, Viengsay Valdés will be a special guest at this gathering, «a figure of high artistic value, who has already become part of the history of dance. Her fouettés, admired worldwide, are the strongest, most powerful, and technically perfect. I am very grateful to the universe for giving me the great opportunity to meet her and enjoy her company, even if only for a few days. That is something invaluable.»

Meanwhile, Ányelo Montero is a rising star and is considered one of the most valuable representatives of the new generation of Cuban dancers. On the 30th of March, at the National Theatre of Cuba, he will debut in the role of Albrecht in Giselle, alongside Viengsay Valdés in the titular role and the principal dancer Dani Hernández as Hilarión.

Source: Press Department of the National Ballet of Cuba

Translated by Luis E. Amador Dominguez