Storm Rafael forces suspension of ballet performances in Cuba

As Tropical storm Rafael swiftly approaches Cuba, its gusts are seemingly blowing ballet shoes away from the 28th International Ballet Festival of Havana "Alicia Alonso”, following the suspension of all performances for November 6 and 7 in all theaters here.

The three shows scheduled for Tuesday, at the Martí Theater, and at Covarrubias and Avellaneda halls of the National Theater, however will be staged as originally programmed.

The prestigious event features this year an array of dancers and choreographers from more than 15 countries, along with other attractions, such as the season of Swan Lake, a classic that has not been danced in Cuba completely since 2018.

Adding special luster to the dance event are Cuban José Manuel Carreño, Mexican Elisa Carrillo, Spaniards Joaquín de Luz and Patricia Donn, Brazilian Marcelo Gomes, French Mathilde Froustey, Portuguese António Casalinho and Russians Daniil Simkin, Semyon Chundin and Azari Plisetski.

Renowned local and international companies take to the stage to pay tribute to the power of dance and to an institution that shines as one of the most coveted jewels of Cuban Culture: the National Ballet of Cuba.

The event, which doubles as a contest, will end November 10, having established itself as a space for exchanging dance experiences and fostering brotherhood, under its evergreen theme: “The spirit of dance is inseparable from the human condition”.