Miguel Díaz- Canel, President of the Councils of States and Ministers of the Cuban Republic, highlighted the relevance of the Cuban National Ballet (BNC by its Spanish initials)for national culture in the opening of the XXVI Ballet International Festival of Havana.

The mandatary congratulated this prestigiouscompany, especiallyits creatorPrima Ballerina Assoluta Alicia Alonso, on behalf of the First Secretary of the Cuban Communist Party, General of the Army Raúl Castro Ruz.

The Cuban National Ballet has inspired generations of Cubans through 70 years. They have grown attending the shows which are offeredat symbolic prices. This has been of the conquests of the Revolution since this art is only affordable byhigher social elites worldwide, affirmed Díaz- Canel.

The Cuban President extended a warm welcome to foreign artists from some of the most prestigious international companies of classic ballet so as other specialists who attend the Festival. In this occasion it is dedicated to the 70th foundation of the Cuban National Ballet and the 75th Alicia Alonso’s debut onGiselle’s role.

The event started with a concert program in The Great Theater of Havana Alicia Alonso. Shows will be running until next November 6th in different coliseums of the Cuban capital.  

In the stage there were played La muerte de Narciso, performed by Dani Hernández, andSinfonía de Gottschalk, both choreographed by Alicia Alonso; besides, the last one has been performed by several prime dancers of the Cuban National Ballet.

There was also En la noche, a creation of the prestigious American ballet master Jerome Robbins, who had shared the stage in many occasions during his fruitful career with the legendary Cuban ballerina.

Esa pieza fue escogida para la ocasión por cumplirse este 28 de octubre los 40 años de haber sido estrenada por el BNC en ese mismo escenario, el cual acogerá cada noche un espectáculo diferente durante el Festival, uno de los eventos culturales cubanos de mayor trascendencia y poder de convocatoria a nivel internacional.

This play was chosen for the occasion to remember the 40th anniversary of its premiere on October 28th performed by the Cuban National Ballet in that same stage. This platform will host a different show every night during the festival, which is one of the most relevant and summoning Cuban cultural events at international level.