Prima Ballerina Assoluta and director general of the National Ballet of Cuba, Alicia Alonso, has wanted to express her gratitude to the historic leader of the Cuban Revolution, Fidel Castro Ruz, on the occasion of his 90th birthday in a message reproduced below:
“If the Revolution brought us a cultural policy which for the first time supported the development of the most diverse artistic expressions, there is no doubt that the ideas and actions of Comandante en Jefe Fidel Castro provided a special impetus to our work. We recall his understanding, his unprejudiced and enthusiastic vision of the art of ballet. From the outset, in 1959, he decided to provide us with all the means necessary to reorganize and develop the company, and the school – a center to train dancers. Much of what we Cuban ballet dancers have achieved, during the revolutionary period, is thanks to Fidel’s sensitivity toward culture and strong support of our projects. Now, on his 90th birthday, it is right that we remember what he gave us and to say once more, together with all the people: Thank you Fidel! Alicia Alonso.
