Dance

In recent editions

Ballroom Dancing comes to Havana

Photos: Norlys

Ballroom dancing, as it is internationally known, has come to Havana and according to its organizers is here to stay.

Cucalambé Folkloric Ballet, 25 Year of Cuban Country Music

By: Anelí Ruiz García

Talking about Cuban country music with Eduardo Muñoz is a privilege. Muñoz is a choreographer, dancer, founder and director of the Ballet Folclórico Cucalambé (Cucalambé Folkloric Ballet) and has dedicated his life to studying and promoting Cuba´s rural roots as part of its identity. Perhaps that is the reason why he did not hesitate in founding the Ballet Folclórico Cucalambé, fostering an artistic project that after 25 years has become one of the pillars of Cuban art.

American Ballet Theatre in Havana

By: Prensa Latina / Photos Boris Muriedas

The 22nd International Ballet Festival of Havana, dedicated to the 90th year of Prima Ballerina Assoluta Alicia Alonso, saw polished performances led by the American Ballet Theatre which, after an absence of half a century, deeply moved the Cuban audience, acknowledged connoisseurs of this art form.

Yoldance Has Kini Kini

By Pedro Quiroga, Photos Courtesy Yoldance

The fifty dancers of Yolena Alonso's Cuban Yoldance Company not only have youthful charm and Caribbean sensuality; they also have what Yolena's father, Pachito Alonso, calls her kini kini: charisma, swing and that ineffable Cuban spirit. Celebrating its 10th anniversary this year, the group has been touring world stages since 2005 with the rhythmic, Creole, versatile and glamorous ¡Viva Cuba!

Fernando Alonso What I enjoy

By Marlén Martínez Tabares / Photos: Courtesy Fernando Alonso

Fernando Alonso, dancer and teacher, has a paramount place in the history of Cuban ballet. He is the founder, together with his brother Alberto Alonso, of the first professional ballet company in Cuba and the creator of the famed Cuban school of ballet and of its teaching methodology.

Rumba, Expression of all Things Cuban

By Ivet González Lemes / Photos Courtesy of the Band

The strength of ancestors gathers new energies with youth. That is Yoruba Andabo's motto. The artistic expressions of African slaves brought by Spanish colonizers to Cuba are revived in this company with the integration of new members together with the most modern contemporary musical tendencies.

Havana, World Dance Capital

By Pedro Quiroga Jiménez / Photos by José (Tito) Merino

After ten days of intense hectic activity, dancers, choreographers, critics and important figures in the world of dance from 19 countries who attended the 21 st Havana International Ballet Festival, from October 28th to November 6th, celebrated the 60th Anniversary of the Cuban National Ballet (CNB).

Cotemporary Cuban Dance A Word Heritage

By Alexander Machado Tineo / Photos: Gerardo Iglesias

Among the many, not always justified, attributes that Cubans represent to the world, perhaps the most prevalent are: we are good musicians, we have an enviable sense of humor and, of course, we know dance.

Another Cuban Cultural jewel, Camagüey's Ballet

By Sergio Morales Vera Photos: Roberto Morejón

The Camagüey Ballet is a true jewel of Cuban culture and a proud institution of this city in the centre of Cuba. Its artistic achievements and reputation are well known by national and international audiences and critics.

National Cuban Folkloric Company

By: Idania Machado Photos: José Tito Meriño

It is said that in Cuba, even rocks dance. And those not endowed with the rhythm to dance will still make slight movements to the beat of popular music.

Higher Institute of Art, The School of Dreams

By: Idania Machado, Photos: Todd Bennett,Jorge Perez and ISA Archives

Alicia Alonso, Canada is always on my Mind

By Pedro Quiroga Jiménez, Photos: Courtesy of the National Ballet of Cuba

An exclusive interview given by Alicia Alonso on the presentation if the Cuban National Ballet in Ontario this December. After an absence if 29 years) the Prima Ballerina Assoluta recalls her ties with Canadian people.

Higher Institute of Art, The School of Dreams

By Idania Machado, Photos: Todd Bennett,Jorge Perez & ISA Archives

The day before the tryouts for the Instituto Superior de Artes (known as el ISA or the Higher Institute of Arts in English) I saw the movie Fame on TV. If you have seen it, you will know that it may be the worst thing to see the day before an entrance exam. In the movie, you see all the problems that some students have in trying to get into an art school - it made me think about not going.

Ecos Flamenco Company Echoes of Spain

By John Kim Photos: Roberto García & Courtesy of Ecos

It was the angle of her neck that mesmerized me. In the middle of a performance on the wide wooden stage of the Grand Theatre in Old Havana, scarlet dresses swirling and feet pounding out the rhythm, one of the dancers turned at the waist, raised her chin and paused.

A jewel of the Cuban Ballet

By Yasser Lago, Photos: Prensa Latina

Josefina Mendez was born in Havana on March 8, 1941. She began to study ballet at the age of 7 and joined the Alicia Alonso Ballet Company in the 1950's. A decade later, she was one of the prima ballerinas with the Cuban National Ballet Company. She was appointed maitre of the National Company and lived and worked in Havana for many years.