When love and will come together, nothing is impossible. The realization of the 28th edition of the Alicia Alonso Havana International Ballet Festival, in the midst of difficult circumstances, was a feat and an act of devotion to Cuban culture and dance in general.
Since October 28, almost every day there were performances at the Avellaneda and Covarrubias halls of the National Theater of Cuba, and also at the Martí Theater. Numerous premieres and revivals of works were presented on these stages.
The Festival was a space for exchange among artists from various parts of the world, and also for reunion with Cubans representing the island abroad. Classical ballet, modern and contemporary dance, Cuban folklore and that of other countries, as well as new dance expressions converged. There was a wide representation of Cuban companies, some with a long history and others younger, but which have earned a prestigious place in the Cuban and international scene.
The current edition was especially dedicated to the 70th anniversary of the premiere of the complete version of Swan Lake in Latin America by the Ballet Nacional de Cuba, then Ballet Alicia Alonso. Several performances of the complete version conceived by Alicia Alonso of the original version of this classic were presented at the Festival.
The leading roles were played by the prima ballerinas and principal dancers of the BNC, and also by guest stars. The participation of the young corps de ballet, a guarantee of the company's vitality, was outstanding. The music in each of the performances of Swan Lake was provided by the Alicia Alonso Symphony Orchestra of the Grand Theater of Havana (GTHAA) under the baton of Russian conductor Nikolay Shugaev.
Another tribute within the Festival was dedicated to Argentine dancer Julio Bocca, who starred for the first and last time in his career in Swan Lake with the BNC.
In the foyer of the National Theater, the group photographic exhibition Swan Lake was inaugurated. The exhibition is a journey through representative moments of the staging, interpreted by various figures of the BNC in recent years.
Also, as part of the Festival's collateral activities, in the Sábado del libro space, it was presented the title Alicia Alonso. La diva. María Callas in Memoriam, written by Pedro Simón and published by the Alicia Alonso Dance Foundation in Madrid.
The closing gala on November 10 was a concert program featuring important titles of the BNC repertoire, performed by Cuban dancers and guest stars. The ballet Carmen, choreographed by Alberto Alonso, starred Viengsay Valdés, Brazilian Marcelo Gomes and Dani Hernández. The music for Carmen was provided by the GTHAA Symphony Orchestra, which on this occasion was conducted by Venezuelan Daniel Gil.
The warm applause of the audience brought to an end this 28th edition of a festival that reflects the resilience of a people and its artists in the face of life's obstacles. Gratitude to all those who worked tirelessly to make it possible once again.
