Young Ballerinas – Havana

Young Ballerinas – Havana

In Cuba, a country with a very healthy flair for the “machismo,” ballet is more a part of her culture than one might expect. When the top ballerinas perform in Cuba today, they do so to cheering crowds and have “rock star” status. The Cuba National Ballet tours the world and many of the dancers earn more than doctors.

Ballet Practice - Havana, Cuba

Ballet thrived during the revolution, unlike most of the other arts and sports. This success rests solely with Alicia Alonso, who founded a ballet school in Havana some 60 years ago. Alonso supported Castro during the revolution and Castro has supported her ballet school since the revolution.

Ballet Practice - Havana, Cuba

Dance is not an exercise. Dance is an art.

___Alicia Alonso

Ballet Practice - Havana, Cuba

The young ballerinas pictured here are studying at Centro ProDanza dance company, which is directed by Laura Alonso, Alicia’s daughter.

Ballet Practice - Havana, Cuba

Ron Mayhew

Fine Art Photographer specializing in Still Life and Commercial Photography.

This Post Has 20 Comments

    1. Thanks Cardinal The girls made it easy.

    1. They are and hardworking too.Thanks Z

  1. Another fantastic glimpse into the lives of Cuba ~ and this one is special, as it it about the youth, dreams and hope we’ve all had (and still have). Great series.

    1. These kids take dance very seriously. It is very competitive and the best are treated like rock stars. Cuba is so interesting to me. Thanks, Randall.

  2. Beautiful post! Your pictures are stunning, you really captured the beauty of dance, well done!

    1. Thank you so much.and thanks too for visiting.

    1. Thanks, Carol. Now you know where those were made.

  3. All beautiful Ron! Especially the closing shot. Not sure if it is your kind of thing, but I saw this Nat Geo contest and thought of you: http://on.natgeo.com/1Hg4sSD

    1. Thank you, Madhu and thanks for the link. I have entered some Not Geo contests and should more often.There always seems to be a few too many things on my to-do list. 🙂

  4. Beautiful photos! I find Cuba such an interesting country, I would love to see it for myself one day 🙂

    1. Cuba is fascinating, but changing rapidly, all the more so as the embargo gets dismantled.. Thank you

    1. You are welcome and thank you for visiting my blog. Have you been back to Cuba?

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