Cuba’s National Ballet celebrates anniversary of Cuban Revolution

Year 2010 will be a very special year for the most important ballet company in Cuba –Cuba’s National Ballet (BNC).

Not only are they having their 22nd International Ballet Festival in October, but also Alicia Alonso, the ballet director, will be turning 90 years old.

This was announced last Friday by Deputy Minister of Culture, Rafael Bernal, who made the opening speech at the traditional January 1st performance of the BNC at the García Lorca Theatre on the occasion of the 51st anniversary of the Cuban Revolution.

The program included “A Concert in Black and White” by Jose Pares; Accents, choreography by Eduardo Blanco which gave dancers Osiel Gounod, Camilo Ramos, Edward Gonzalez, Gustavo Perez and Oscar Sanchez the opportunity to shine on stage; and The Nutcracker’s popular second act, performed by Barbara Garcia, a dancer who perfectly understands her character and always shows the audience what dancing as a true goddess means.

The ceremony also served to announce the names of the artists who were chosen to be registered in the Gran Teatro Book of Honor, as well as the winner of the yearly prize granted by this institution, which went to Antonio (Toni) Cañas, an outstanding designer and make-up artist.

Source: www.jrebelde.cubaweb.cu