Cuban National Ballet facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Cuban National Ballet |
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| General information | |
| Name | Cuban National Ballet |
| Local name | Ballet Nacional de Cuba |
| Year founded | October 28, 1948 |
| Founders | Alicia Alonso Alberto Alonso Fernando Alonso |
| Principal venue | Great Theatre of Havana 458 Paseo de Prado esquina a San Rafael Havana Cuba |
| Website | www.balletcuba.cult.cu |
| Artistic staff | |
| Artistic Director | Viengsay Valdés |
| Resident Choreographers | Iván Tenorio Eduardo Blanco |
| Artistic Staff |
Ballet Masters
Loipa Araújo
Aurora Bosch María Elena Llorente Svetlana Ballester Carmen Hechavarría Ana Leyte Félix Rodríguez Mercedes Vergara Consuelo Domínguez Javier Sánchez Régisseurs
Ocilia Pedrera
Lydia Díaz Miguel Rodríguez Mijaela Tesleoanu Tamara Villareal |
| Other | |
| Associated schools | Cuban National Ballet School |
| Formation | Principal First Soloist Soloist Coryphee Corps de Ballet |
The Cuban National Ballet (Ballet Nacional de Cuba in Spanish) is a famous classical ballet company. It is based at the Great Theatre of Havana in Havana, Cuba. The amazing Cuban dancer, Alicia Alonso, started the company in 1948. The official school for the company is the Cuban National Ballet School.
Contents
History of the Cuban National Ballet
The company began on October 28, 1948. It was founded by Alicia Alonso, her husband Fernando, and Fernando's brother Alberto. They first called it Ballet Alicia Alonso.
In 1950, the Alicia Alonso Academy of Ballet school opened. This school helped train young Cuban dancers. By 1956, both the school and the ballet company were working closely together.
Before the Cuban Revolution, the ballet company was very artistic. However, it did not have much money. The Cuban government at that time did not want to pay for it.
When Fidel Castro became the leader of Cuba in 1959, things changed. He wanted everyone to have access to art. Margarita de Saá, a former dancer, said, "The new hope was coming for the arts and the ballet in Cuba."
The Cuban Revolution started a new chapter for Cuban ballet. The government began funding the company. Ballet became very important to Cuba's culture. That year, the company was renamed the National Ballet of Cuba.
With government support, Cuba's ballet program grew a lot. It even became as good as, or better than, some European ballet programs. The company improved classic ballets and created new, exciting dances. These new dances were seen as very creative.
The Cuban National Ballet has created new versions of famous ballets. These include Giselle, Swan Lake, and Coppélia. They also perform works from the Sergei Diaghilev Russian Ballets. Examples are Petrushka and Afternoon of a Faun. The company also performs ballets made by Cuban choreographers.
After the 1959 revolution, the Alonsos used the government's support to build the ballet school. The government still funds the Ballet Nacional today. This money helps the Ballet find talented students across the country.
They search in over 14 provinces for children with musical talent. They also look for good body proportions and the ability to follow simple dance steps. Cuba has a national teaching organization called the Cuban National Ballet School. Ramona de Saá directs this school.
A former student, Lorena Feijoo, said their training was very intense. They danced for many hours each day. They also learned character dances, French, piano, music reading, folklore, and African dances. It was a very complete dance education.
The training system is still the same today. Boys are encouraged to try out as much as girls. Parents now see that dancing can lead to a good future. During their eight years of training, students get free support from the government. After training, a dancer earns about $30 a month. This is similar to what doctors and skilled workers earn in Cuba.
The National Ballet School trains about 40 new professional dancers each year. They follow a classical Soviet style of training.
The company's versions of classic ballets are famous worldwide. They have performed at major theaters like the Paris Opera and the Vienna State Opera. They have also performed The Sleeping Beauty at the Teatro alla Scala in Milan.
Besides performing in Cuba, the National Ballet of Cuba tours internationally. They visit countries in Europe, Asia, and America every year. They have won important awards, like the Grand Prix of the Ville of Paris. Many critics praise their performances. Individual dancers have also won awards in international competitions. This success shows the influence of their founder, Alicia Alonso. The company has created over 600 works. They have performed in more than 60 countries around the world.
In 1998, for its 50th anniversary, Fidel Castro gave the ballet and Alicia Alonso a high award. It was called the Lazaro Pena Order.
Joining foreign ballet companies is a big goal for some Cuban dancers. A top dancer in Cuba earns about $30 a month. Today, many American and British companies have former Cuban dancers. For example, Lorna Feijoo and her husband Nelson Madrigal dance with the Boston Ballet. Lorna's sister dances with the San Francisco Ballet. Jorge Esquivel, a Cuban dancer, is a ballet master there. In 2004, Jose Manuel Carreno was the first Cuban to win the Dance Magazine award since Alicia Alonso in 1958.
Dancers Moving to Other Companies
In 2003, the Cuban National Ballet toured the United States for the first time with new dancers. It was a very successful tour. Audiences loved their energetic version of Don Quixote in New York City. The main dancers were Viengsay Váldes, who was 27, and Joél Carreno, Jose Manuel Carreno's brother.
During this tour, five less famous dancers chose to join other companies. Two of them, Cervilio Amador and Gema Diaz, both 20, became soloists with the Cincinnati Ballet. For Alicia Alonso, it was "painful" when dancers who had received free training for nine years left.
In 2005, two more dancers from the Ballet Nacional de Cuba left. Octavio Martin, a main dancer, and his wife, Yaima Franco, left after a show in Villahermosa, Mexico. This happened on October 30, 2005.
One of the most well-known dancers to leave in recent years is Rolando Sarabia. The New York Times called him the 'Cuban Nijinsky'. Rolando left in 2005. His brother Daniel Sarabia, also a former Cuban National Ballet dancer, had moved to the United States a year earlier. Rolando danced as a main dancer with Houston Ballet. Daniel danced with Boston Ballet. Later, the Sarabia brothers danced together with Miami City Ballet.
The Ballet Today
Through the Ballet Nacional and its schools, Alicia and Fernando Alonso created a special Cuban dance style. They improved classic ballets and also supported new dances. These new works are some of the best in modern choreography. Some of the first dancers from the school include Ernesto Alvarez, Sadaise Arencibia, Elier Bourzac, and Joel Carreno.
Alicia Alonso was very old and almost blind, but she stayed in charge of the Ballet Nacional. She gave her last performance in 1993 when she was 72. After that, she continued to organize The Nutcracker shows in Spain. Her example, hard work, and dedication still inspire Cuban ballet. The style of Cuban ballet reflects her influence without just copying her.
The Cuban government under Fidel Castro wanted to help Cuban artists grow. They still support dance education and performances. This government support shows how important dance is in Cuban society. Social dances are a part of everyday life there.
In January 2019, Alicia Alonso named dancer Viengsay Valdés as the deputy artistic director. Alicia Alonso was still the general director until she passed away in October 2019 at age 98. After her death, Viengsay Valdés became the artistic director.
Dance Department and Training
The Cuban National Ballet does a lot of intense work. It also has important educational programs. These programs help dancers improve their artistic and technical skills.
The International Dance Program started in March 1999. Alicia Alonso directed it. Its main goal is to teach students and visiting teachers the Cuban School of Ballet's methods. It also teaches the special elements that make up the unique Cuban ballet style. The courses in this program give students hands-on experience and official recognition.
Professors and masters from the National Ballet of Cuba teach these courses. Through this program, people learn about Cuban ballet techniques, its unique qualities, and its beauty. They also learn how Latin American, Caribbean, and classical styles mix in Cuban dance.
The International Dance Program offers studies in different areas. These can be for individuals or groups. They often include: Ballet, En pointe (dancing on toes), Variations, Classic Duet, Modern Dance, the history of dance, music appreciation, physical preparation, acting, and Make-up.
Courses and International Workshops
The National Ballet offers ballet courses to students from other countries. The International Dance Program is for professionals and advanced students. It teaches them the technique, style, and ideas of the Cuban School of Ballet.
The length of these courses can change. They can also start at any time of the year. The basic program includes classes in Ballet, En pointe, and physical preparation. Special programs can also be made for qualified professionals and students, decided by Ms. Alonso.
See also
- History of ballet
- Prodanza Ballet Academy
