The International Ballet Festival of Havana is a prominent event that happens every two years in the capital of Cuba. Since 1960, this tradition has been going under the organisations National Ballet of Cuba otherwise known as the BNC and the National Institute of Tourism Industry. The festival is a monumental occasion for dance, ballet and arts across the world. Founded by ballet dancer Alicia Alonso, this festival is a dedication to the years of dedication to ballet she gave. She launched the festival with the mission to be a non-competitive process. Instead, it was a celebration of new talent, traditional dances, and a look back on the history of ballet and what Alonso achieved. Held every two years at the Gran Teatro de La Havana, it is usually held on the last week of October and the first week of November. This is because it coincides with the anniversary of the BNC opening as well as the date Alicia Alonso premiered the popular Giselle in 1943. Look at Havana places to stay before you travel. Gran Teatro De La Havana The next International Ballet Festival of Havana will take place from the 26th of October 2022 to – the 4th of November 2022. This is the 27th international festival with over 20 performances to look forward to. Expect an impressive display of famous classical dances as well as some of the latest trends to hit the ballet world. The festival is fully global with the London Royal Ballet, the English National Ballet, the Ballet del Teatro Colon, the Scala de Milan, the New York City Ballet and the American Ballet all taking part. Individuals such as Anette Delgado, Viengsay, Alejandro Virelles, Sadaise Arencibia and many more performing. Over the years over 60 countries have flocked to Havana for this cultural masterpiece. Over 77 international companies have performed and more than 1000 people have attended the events. First held in March 1960 after the foundation of Cuba’s National Ballet. Then the festivals continued in 1966 and 1967, but it was decided in 1974 that the festivals would be held every other autumn. The spirit of the festival has always been international. They have always welcomed dancers and supporters from all over the world, to come together and enjoy the art of ballet. The premise of the festival has always been ballet, however, in more recent years, there have been more modern choreographers stepping on the stage. For example, in 2010 when they included the Canadian Peter Quanz. The founder of the International Ballet Festival of Havana, Alicia Alonso is a Cuban dancer and choreographer. Her legacy is known worldwide as she was a gifted child. She danced at theatres all over the world, like the Paris Opera Ballet, the Prague Ballet and the Viella Ballet. In 1948 she set up Cuba’s first professional ballet company. Originally opened under her name, it is now the National Ballet of Cuba. The festival took place a year later and then went global, touring Europe and Asia. As well as paying homage to the newest trends in ballet, the festival showcases some of the most prolific dances. These include the classic Swan Lake, The Forest Beauty, Giselle, Coppélia and Shakespeare. Havana is known for its music and dance scene. Whilst many people will automatically assume it’s salsa. Ballet has always had a heartbeat in Cuba. At 95 years old Alicia Alonso is still directing the arts and dance of this festival and school. And one thing is for sure, this ballet festival will surely continue to attract dancers and lovers of ballet from all over the world for many years further. So if you want to see an international spectacular ballet festival during your stay in Havana, be sure to talk to one of our specialists today. Love Cuba is the UK’s leading Cuba holiday specialist. Click here for more info or call us on 0207 071 3636 or email enquiries@lovecuba.comWhen Is It?
When Is The Next International Ballet Festival of Havana
The Festival is an International event
The History of The International Ballet Festival of Havana
The Legend That is Alicia Alonso
The Traditions of the Festival
Havana is The Capital of Ballet
The International Ballet Festival of Havana
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