Important Cuban folk dance artist passed away at 81

The Cuban artistic community mourned the death of Silvina Fabars Guilall, an outstanding dancer, choreographer and cultural promoter, considered one of the most relevant personalities of folkloric dance in Cuba.

Born on February 22, 1944 in Palmarejo, Realengo 18 (today's II Frank Pais Eastern Front, Santiago de Cuba), Fabars joined the ranks of the Rebel Army at the age of 14, for which she received multiple decorations after the revolutionary triumph.

She was a founder of organizations such as the Committees for the Defense of the Revolution (CDR), the Cuban Women's Federation (FMC) and the National Revolutionary Militias, and in 1961 she participated in the Literacy Campaign.

His artistic career includes the founding of the Conjunto Folklorico de Oriente (1959), the creation of groups such as Nuevo Flores and Shango Abikola, and more than 80 international tours representing Cuba in four continents.

She made cultural missions in Angola, Mozambique, Nicaragua and other countries, and was a key player in the Corazón Adentro Culture Mission in Venezuela.

Her awards include the National Dance Award (2014) and the Lorna Burdsall Award (2012).

The Ministry of Culture, the Cuban Institute of Music and other institutions extended their condolences to family and friends, while an official tribute is being prepared and will be announced in the coming days.