Cuban National Ballet

Cuban National Ballet
General information
Name Cuban National Ballet
Local name Ballet Nacional de Cuba
Year founded October 28, 1948
Founders Alicia 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 Alicia Alonso
Resident Choreographers Alicia Alonso
Iván Tenorio
Eduardo Blanco
Artistic Staff
Other
Associated schools Cuban National Ballet School
Formation Principal
First Soloist
Soloist
Coryphee
Corps de Ballet

The Cuban National Ballet (Spanish: Ballet Nacional de Cuba) is a classical ballet company based at the Great Theatre of Havana in Havana, Cuba. Founded by the Cuban prima ballerina assoluta, Alicia Alonso in 1948, it has become recognised as one of the world's leading ballet companies. The official school of the company is the Cuban National Ballet School.

History

The company was founded by Alicia Alonso, her husband Fernando and Fernando's brother Alberto on October 28, 1948 as Alicia Alonso Ballet Company. Two years later, a school was established to create a strong artistic vision and promote the talents of young Cuban dancers.[1] Alicia Alonso set a tradition of Romantic and Classical excellence while encouraging the development of new choreography.

Although the school was thriving artistically, it struggled financially.[1] When Fidel Castro took control of Cuba in 1959, he committed to leveling the social structure and to make the arts available to everyone. “The old government was out and the new hope was coming for the arts and the ballet in Cuba,” recalled Margarita de Saá, former BNC ballerina. The coming of the Revolution, marked the beginning of a new stage for the Cuban ballet, Castro gave $200,000 to Alonso, a supporter of the revolution. With state funding, suddenly the ballet became important to the country and its identity. That year, as a part of a new cultural program, the company was reorganized and it took the name of National Ballet of Cuba that has had a vertiginous development from that moment on, enriching its repertory and promoting the development of new dancers, choreographers, professors and creators. Combined with other spheres related to dance, such as set design, costumes, lighting and sound. Significant improvements in traditional repertory, unique and diverse choreographic advances, have established works that are recognized routinely as visionary achievements in the contemporary choreography. Following the romantic and classical tradition, The BNC has a rich history of stimulating the creative talent of its choreographers who under Ms. Alonso's guidance have improved both contemporary and classical ballet. The BNC has choreographed and performed completely new versions of classics such as Giselle, The Swan Lake or Coppélia. These masterpieces are sometimes accompanied with works coming from the renovating movement of Sergei Diaghilev Russian Ballets Petrushka, or Afternoon of a Faun; and ballets created by Cuba's national choreographers.

With the revolution in 1959 and its policy to make art available to everyone, the Alonsos have grasped the opportunity to set up the school by receiving funding from the government. Government funding for the Ballet Nacional continues to this day. These funds allow the Ballet to scour the country and hand pick gifted students. They set off to search all over the country to find children with aptitude whom they might teach. They travel to over 14 provinces, with the criteria that prospective students should have musicality, good body proportions, and the ability to follow simple steps.[2] Cuba funds a country-wide teaching organization called the National School of Ballet, directed by Ramona de Saá. There is no shortage of eager young hopefuls on this island. Placement in the ballet program can lead to respectable salaries, government subsidies, the opportunity to travel internationally and recognition as a Cuban cultural asset.

The system remains the same today. Boys have been encouraged to audition as much as girls, and over the years this has become an easier task now that parents realize the financially rewarding future that awaits good dancers.[3] During their eight-year period of training, all students receive support from the government, everything is free. After completing the training, a dancer earns approximately $30 a month, which compares to the salaries of doctors and skilled workers.[4]

Cuba is currently recognized for having dancers of the highest technical and emotional ability who have found fame with leading world companies. Amazingly, it is all due to one almost legendary artist, Alicia Alonso. Following the classical Soviet system, the National Ballet School turns out 40 professionals a year.[5] One of the most celebrated ballerinas for fifty years, Alicia Alonso has combined a true sense of romanticism with a Latin boldness of feeling, and the suppleness and high extensions of the Russian school with the brilliant footwork of Italy.[6]

The choreographic versions of the classics are known internationally, because of the many performances at major theatres. This includes theatres such as The Ballet of the Paris Opera, where Giselle was performed, and the Grand Pas de Quarte, where The Sleeping Beauty was performed. In addition, the school has performed Giselle at other major theatres including the Vienna State Opera and the San Carlos of Naples. Furthermore, performances such as La Fille Mall Gardee occurred at the Opera Prague and The Sleeping Beauty at the Teatro alla Scala of Milan.[7]

Besides its intense activity in Cuba, the National Ballet of Cuba develops a program of international tours. These tours take the BNC to stages of different countries within Europe, Asia and America annually. Important awards, such as the Grand Prix of the Ville of Paris and the Order Félix Varela, of the Republic of Cuba, joined with frequent acclamation of specialized critics. In addition to the acclaim of the most prominent representatives of the critics and awards received by their figures, individuals have won awards in international competitions and festivals.[7] Outstanding members of the company have consistently received distinctions and awards in competitions and international festivals. The success is known as the reflection of its founder Alicia Alonso. The company has created more than 600 works and performed in more than 60 countries worldwide.[8]

On the occasion of its 50th anniversary Fidel Castro awarded the ballet and Alicia Alonso its highest civil decoration, the Lazaro Pena Order.[9]

The opportunity to join foreign ballet companies is a big incentive for numbers of the National Ballet of Cuba, where a top dancer's pay is about $30 a month. Today several American and British companies have former dancers from the National Ballet dance school among their principal dancers as Lorna Feijoo and her husband Nelson Madrigal who perform with the Boston Ballet, Lorna's sister is with the San Francisco Ballet, in the San Francisco Ballet where Cuban Jorge Esquivel is one of the ballet masters. In 2004 Jose Manuel Carreno was the first Cuban to win the Dance Magazine award for contributions to ballet since the prima ballerina assoluta Alicia Alonso did in 1958.

National Ballet of Cuba (Ballet Nacional de Cuba), is managed by Cuban prima ballerina assoluta Alicia Alonso and is one of the top ballet companies in the world. The artistic standards and technical severity of the dancers and the wide diversity in the aesthetic conception of the choreographers in combining joyful Cuban sensuality with superb classical Russian, French and English ballets, have granted this ensemble a secure place among international dance institutions. Today occupies a prominent place in the contemporary Hispanic-American culture. The company was founded in 1948, with Alicia Alonso as the main founder and first figure. In 1950 the National School of Ballet Alicia Alonso was founded, annexed to the professional company.

Defections

In 2003 The Cuban National Ballet for the first time toured the United States with new dancers in the troupe and was known as a very successful tour impressing audiences with an exuberant version of Don Quixote in New York and other cities. The lead roles were danced by Viengsay Váldes, 27, and Joél Carreno, which is Jose Manuel Carreno's brother. The American tour's brilliance was overshadowed by the defection of five lesser known dancers which two of them, Cervilio Amador and Gema Diaz, both of 20, were taken up as soloists by the Cincinnati Ballet.[10] For Alonso, the defection of dancers who had received nine years of free training, was "painful". In 2005 two more dancers from the Ballet Nacional de Cuba defected. Octavio Martin, a principal dancer, and his wife, Yahima Franco, who ranked slightly above the corps de ballet, left after a performance at a festival in Villahermosa, Mexico, on October 30, 2005.[11] The most recognized figure from Cuban National Ballet to have defected in the past few years is, without question, Rolando Sarabia. Hailed by the New York Times as the 'Cuban Nijinksy' [12] Rolando defected in 2005, a year after his brother Daniel Sarabia,[13] also a former dancer with Cuban National Ballet, entered the United States via Mexico. Rolando, danced as a principal with Houston Ballet and while Daniel danced with Boston Ballet, under the direction of Mikko Nissinen, later the Sarabias danced together with Miami City Ballet as Principal and Soloist, respectively.

The Ballet Today

Through the Ballet Nacional and its network of schools, Alicia and Fernando Alonso have created a uniquely Cuban style of dance. Besides the improvement of the traditional repertoire, it fosters a strong choreographic movement with works that rank among the most significant achievements of contemporary choreography.[14] One Earning worldwide acclaim, the Ballet has performed in over 60 countries and received hundreds of international awards. Additionally, Cuban-trained dancers are now marquee names in top ballet companies throughout the world. Including some of the very first dancers that attended the school, such as Ernesto Alvarez, Sadaise Arencibia, Elier Bourzac, and Joel Carreno.[15] The excellent training and individual coaching that they received from the dedicated teachers at the school established the solid classical foundation that makes them the world class dancers they are today.

Though elderly and nearly blind, Alicia Alonso is still at the helm of the Ballet Nacional, although there have been repeated requests for new leadership. After giving her last performance in 1993 at the age of 72, Prima Ballerina Alicia Alonso continues to organize the Nutcrackers with great success at the Valencia main theater, as a part of the Spanish tour.[16] Her example, dedication and hard work continues to be the motivation forces of Cuban ballet, whose style reflects hers without slavish copying.

January 1, 2010 not only marked the anniversary of the Cuban Revolution, but also the arrival of Alicia Alonso into her ninth decade of life and the celebration in Cuba and in other parts of the world in such a celebration as a leader. On this day she was recognized for promoting a broad program of tribute to the renowned Cuban artists and thanked for the exceptional and extraordinary women she is. “Alicia Alonso, Prima Ballerina, Founder and CEO of the National Ballet of Cuba, Choreographer and teacher of the teachers, has been the ultimate inspiration of the Cuban School of Ballet, great artistic achievement not only of our national culture, but also input from our home to world culture. Alicia Alonso is now the most universally recognized Cuban artist and one of the most sublime figures in the history of the Dance Stage”.[16]

The development of Cuban artists has been a goal of the government under Fidel Castro, which continues to provide state support for dance education and performance. The government subsides reflect the importance of dance in Cuban society, where social dances are a part of everyday life.

Dance department

Besides Cuba's National Ballet's intensive work, it develops important educational activity, targeting its dancers' artistic-technical training or improvement. The International Dance Program was created in March 1999. Directed by Alicia Alonso, its main objective is to teach students and visiting professors the methodology of the Cuban School of Ballet as well as various elements that make up the uniquely Cuban form of ballet. The courses of the International Dance Program constitute accreditation, and a "hands on" experience. Participation includes professors and maîtres of the National Ballet of Cuba and other specialists appointed by its management. Through the BNC's International Dance Program, knowledge is manifested through special Cuban BNC techniques, idiosyncrasies, aesthetics and characteristics of Latin American culture. The Cuban dance form is an expression of the Ibero-America, Caribbean roots,and classical styles that are sustained or enhanced by common or similar ethnic and cultural antecedents. The International Dance program of the National Ballet of Cuba offers studies that cover different disciplines applicable to individuals or particular groups these often include: Ballet, En pointe, Variations, Classic Duet, Modern Dance, Outlook of the history of the dance, music appreciation, physical preparation, acting, and Make-up.

Courses and International Workshops

The National Ballet provides ballet courses to international students, it rewards graduates with a valuable certificate awarded by the National Ballet of Cuba. The International Dance Program of the National Ballet of Cuba is directed by the Prima Ballerina Assoluta Alicia Alonso. The program summons professionals and students of advanced levels of both sexes, to its unique courses of on technique, style and the interpretative concepts of the Cuban School of Ballet. The duration of the courses can vary and may begin at any time of the year. Programs are structured by means of theoretical-practical classes in a basic module integrated by classes of Ballet, En pointe and physical preparation. Individual programs may be structured to qualified professionals and students at Ms. Alonso's discretion. Further information can be obtained by contacting The National Ballet of Cuba in Havana.

Vocational Workshop

The Vocational Workshop was created in 1999 with the main objectives of extending the teaching of ballet to children and young students between five and sixteen years old interested in ballet without establishing for them strict physical or aptitude requirements.

Among their particular objectives, the following can be mentioned:

•To promote the liking for ballet as well as its appreciation level

•To contribute to the physical, psychological, intellectual and artistic development of the enrolled students

•To contribute to the vocational realization of this population group

Classes are imparted from Monday to Friday from 5:30 pm to 9:00 pm in the studios of the Ballet Nacional de Cuba. They are structured in groups by ages and levels with two weekly frequencies for the students enrolled in the preparatory courses ( between five and seven years of age), and three weekly frequencies for the students of the remaining groups. Complementary, classes of Body Conditioning are offered to those students between 8 and 9 years of age. The course begins in the month of September and ends in the month of June. At the end of the academic period, performances are carried out in which all the students participate

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 Slotnik, Daniel (2 August 2013). "Fernando Alonso, a Founder of Cuban Ballet, Dies at 98". New York Times (New York, United States). Retrieved 3 August 2013.
  2. ↑ Marilyn Hunt "Alonso, Alicia,” 1114
  3. ↑ Morton Marks, Célida Parera Villalón, Jorge Riverón, Suki John, Muriel Manings "Cuba."i
  4. ↑ Marilyn Hunt "Alonso, Alicia,” 1115
  5. ↑ Siegel, Beatrice. Alicia Alonso: The Story of a Ballerina, 25.
  6. ↑ Siegel, Beatrice. Alicia Alonso: The Story of a Ballerina, 31.
  7. ↑ 7.0 7.1 John, Suki. “Modern Dance in Contemporary Cuba,” 88.
  8. ↑ Siegel, Beatrice. Alicia Alonso: The Story of a Ballerina, 111.
  9. ↑ Kant, Marion. “The Cambridge Companion to Ballet,” 25.
  10. ↑ Defection of 5 Cuban Ballet dancers - Cervilio Amador and Gema Diaz became first dancers to defect during Ballet Nacional de Cuba's American tour; three more defected week later in New York
  11. ↑ http://www.deseretnews.com/article/635160223/2-Cuba-ballet-dancers-defect.html
  12. ↑ Kinetz, Erika (31 August 2005). "The 'Cuban Nijinsky' Seeks Asylum and Stardom". The New York Times.
  13. ↑ Kinetz, Erika (31 August 2005). "The 'Cuban Nijinsky' Seeks Asylum and Stardom". The New York Times.
  14. ↑ Marilyn Hunt "Alonso, Alicia,”
  15. ↑
  16. ↑ 16.0 16.1 Morton Marks, Célida Parera Villalón, Jorge Riverón, Suki John, Muriel Manings "Cuba."

Notes

    Sources

    External links

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