In Cuba, ballet is wildly popular and the best of the best, the prima ballerinas, are national treasures. Ballet is Cuba’s premier cultural export. Thanks to Fidel,dance flourished during the revolution and continues to do so today.
Training starts early, and not just at the National Ballet. Schools flourish throughout Cuba though only National Ballet receives support from the government.
Prodanza Ballet Academy, in a Havana suburb, is directed by Laura Alonso. The academy is housed in a grand old building which, like most in Havana, is in much need of renovation. And, as you can see, the students are in dire need slippers and leotards.
But, in spite of all that is lacking, these kids show a grace, and a spirit, and a joie de vivre that is so uniquely Cuba. For more on these ballerinas, click here.
Sumyanna
22 Jan 2017Beautiful!
fotograffer
20 Feb 2017Thank you. 🙂
Sumyanna
20 Feb 2017You’re welcome!
fotograffer
21 Feb 2017🙂
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fotograffer
20 Feb 2017🙂
CarolynEliason
22 Jan 2017So nice that he encouraged this, when he repressed so many other things during his lifetime in power.
fotograffer
20 Feb 2017The founder of the National Ballet School was a supporter of Castro’s and he was generally a supporter of the arts as long as they didn’t become a means of dissent.
Marie
22 Jan 2017Beautiful and graceful. I am off to Cuba in about 8 hours. I know we won’t be visiting any ballet schools so I love seeing your pictures.
fotograffer
20 Feb 2017I hope you had a great trip.
jmacindoe
22 Jan 2017Beautiful collection of photos!
fotograffer
20 Feb 2017Thank you.
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fotograffer
20 Feb 2017🙂