Cuba's National Ballet Hosts International Summer Workshop

The Ballet Nacional de Cuba (BNC) is currently conducting its International Dance Chair Summer Workshop in Havana, with 150 students from seven countries participating, the renowned company announced in a statement.

Under the artistic direction of Viengsay Valdés and general coordination by master teacher Mercedes Beltrán, the intensive program began Monday with participants from Argentina, Brazil, Spain, the United States, Italy, Mexico, and Cuba. Cuban attendees represent multiple provinces including Pinar del Río, Havana, Matanzas, Villa Clara, Cienfuegos, Camagüey, Holguín, and the special municipality Isla de la Juventud.

Through Saturday, students will receive training in core disciplines such as "Ballet Technique," "Pointe Work," "Variations," "Pas de Deux," and "Repertory," along with optional courses including "Contemporary Dance," "Physical Conditioning," "Stage Makeup," and "Jazz" under Brazilian guest instructor Lidia Alves.

The workshop will culminate with a closing gala on Sunday, August 24 at 11:00 a.m. local time in the Covarrubias Hall of Havana's National Theater.

This marks the BNC's latest international educational initiative, following successful workshops recently conducted in Caracas and Margarita Island, Venezuela. The program reinforces Cuba's continued influence in classical dance training and cultural exchange.