Cuban BalletThe Ballet in Cuba - Sophisticated yet PassionateCuban ballet well-known throughout the biggest and richest countries in the world for its excellence and originality, the ballet has humble beginnings in the tiny embargoed island nation. After getting immense government support, the largest classical ballet company in Cuba combined the strong character and passion of the ethnically diverse Cuban population together with centuries of technical dance theory from theater powerhouses like Russia and France to form a truly unique style of performance. The undisputed leader of the ballet community in Cuba is Alicia Alonso, who founded what would become the Ballet Nacional de Cuba, otherwise known as the Cuban National Ballet. With Alonso still at the helm, this ballet company has overcome numerous financial and social obstacles to become one of the leading dance companies in the world.Cuban Ballet Background and BeginningsIn 1948, ballet dancers Alicia and Fernando Alonso started the Alicia Alonso Ballet Company. It did fairly well, but had major issues financing itself. However, Fidel Castro and Ernesto Guevara led the Cuban Revolution of the late 1950s into Havana, taking control of the country away from the former dictator Fulgencio Batista. Batista, being loyal to corporations that had large interests in the country, had cut the arts budgets drastically, leaving performing arts groups without enough money to continue operating. In contrast, Castro's policy of wanting to make the arts available to everyone greatly rewarded Alicia Alonso, a revolution supporter. He made her company the official government sponsored dance company and ballet school. The ballet company took on the name Ballet Nacional de Cuba, which is still in use today. Cuba Ballet - Ballet Nacional de CubaCentral to the success of the Ballet Nacional de Cuba is the National School of Ballet, which is directed by Ramona Saa. Cuba has an interesting policy regarding its educational program. They scour much of the country of 11 million residents in search of potential dancers. Enrollment currently sits at 4,350 students, making this the largest ballet school in the world and the most highly esteemed educational establishment in Cuba. It is very popular, accepting only a small percentage of total applicants. The reason for this selectivity is that being trained here offers quite a few benefits. The government sponsors each student, paying for everything they may need to live and complete their education. Additionally, graduated students have a chance to enter the Ballet Nacional de Cuba where they can earn a respected living, in terms of both finance and social status. Currently, the school sends forty dancers each year into the Ballet Nacional de Cuba.
Alicia Alonso, Absolute Star of the Cuban BalletThis passionate and respected woman is regarded as a superb ballet dancer for her renditions of Giselle, Carmen, and Swan Lake. She enjoyed lauded performances in these roles well into her 70s. Additionally, her effort is regarded as the main reason that the Ballet Nacional de Cuba has achieved its high level of success. Born in 1920 in Cuba, young Alicia showed a strong interest in music and dance, and her education in such things was supported by her parents. While still a teenager, she met and married fellow ballet student Fernando Alonso. Living and working in various countries including Cuba and the United States, Alicia Alonso started to gain worldwide interest for her personal dance style, which was characterized by passion, perfection of technique, and creative interpretation. After Fidel Castro personally requested her to return to Cuba to direct the Ballet Nacional de Cuba, she came back home. Throughout her life, Alicia Alonso had to overcome severe issues with her eyesight, being diagnosed in 1941 with a detached retina. After three mostly unsuccessful surgeries, Alonso decided to get back to dancing, often requiring those dancing with her to maintain perfect placement in order to avoid collisions or missteps. Now in her old age, Alonso is mostly blind, but still finds the power and emotion to direct the Ballet Nacional de Cuba. The Unique Cuban StyleFrequently noted for their unique style, Cuban ballet dancers are proficient in the classical styles of old European dance but also passionate in their renditions of the pieces. In response, critics have issued such nicknames to dancers as "a cross between a cat-like animal and a prince." Further Cuban Ballet Information The official website of the Cuban National Ballet can be found here, with information about various news items, biographical information of the leading dancers, and descriptions of the company's repertoire. Beatrice Siegel wrote a book entitled, Alicia Alonso: The Story of a Ballerina, which gives an excellent account of the famed Cuban dancer. Suki John has also penned a book relating to this topic titled, Modern Dance in Contemporary Cuba, which gives additional information on the current dance scene in the country. Search for more detailed info in HAVANA-GUIDE 
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