Cuban National Ballet Information

Ballet is an art form that is enjoyed around the world and which has in recent years, enjoyed a lot of appreciation in Cuban culture.

The art of ballet originated in France in the 15th century and quickly spread around the world as people appreciated the difficulty of the techniques involved and the splendor of the end product when these techniques were performed effectively.

Ballet is an opportunity for people to tell a story through the medium of dance, an expression that appeals to one’s sense of imagination as well as to one’s artistic nature.

Ballet and Cuba

Within Cuba, the ‘Cuban National Ballet’ group has gained international acclaim and has performed in a number of countries including the United States, the UK, and across the Americas.

Ballet is held in high regard in Cuba and this is reflected via the high standard of dancers that the country has produced in recent years.

Despite only being founded in 1948, the Cuban National Ballet is now regarded as one of the leading ballet organizations in the world.

Each year the company undertakes a series of tours, both domestically and internationally, demonstrating just why it is widely appreciated.

Not only is the Cuban ballet regarded as one of the leading ballet companies in the world, but it is also one of the largest.

One of the defining features of the Cuban National Ballet is the sheer number of performers who are involved with each production.

It should be noted that this does not deduct from the quality and intimacy of the performances and that the lead dancers are still afforded the space and time to deliver the type of performances.

This helps to ensure that this organization attracts a hoard of ballet enthusiasts wherever they go.

The Dance School

The sustained success of the group should come as no surprise when you take into account the fact that there is a school affiliated with the ballet which is the largest ballet school in the world.

There are approx four thousand students at the school at any one time, a cohort that the school can select from the approx 50,000 people who apply to the school.

Often based in the National Theatre Havana, the National Ballet mixes the traditional ballet style with techniques that are distinctly Cuban.

As a result, if you were to attend a performance from this organization it is sure to provide you with an experience that is difficult to replicate.

Whilst this experience can be enjoyed on one of the organization’s many international tours, there is nothing quite like watching an authentic performance in Cuba.

Carlos Acosta

The most famous ballet dancer of all who was born in Cuba (and brought up for many years in England) is the world-famous and highly acclaimed, Carlos Acosta.

Carlos often tours internationally and dances often with the Royal Opera House in London, England.

One of his performances which he often performs and which is based on a story of Cuba and which is a brilliant performance (I have seen it three times) is the show Cubanía.

Further Information

• The official website of the Ballet Nacional de Cuba (as they are known in Spanish).
• Carlos Acosta bio.
• There are shows and events sometimes at the National Theatre.