Dance

Part of a citywide artistic and cultural celebration of Cuba, Ballet Nacional de Cuba makes a rare New York appearance with an enthralling program featuring scenes from seven classical works in the company's repertory: Giselle, The Sleeping Beauty, The Nutcracker, Coppélia, Swan Lake, Don Quixote, and- choreographed by legendary General Director Alicia Alonso-the samba-inflected Gottschalk Symphony.

A former prima ballerina with American Ballet Theatre who originated signature roles in works by Balanchine, de Mille, and Tudor, Alonso has instilled in her dancers a palpable sense of spirit and dedication to craft for more than 50 years. The excerpts in this program distill the essence of each ballet, and are performed by dancers who are both technically nonpareil and dramatically fluent in their roles-from a blazing Basilio in Don Quixote, heartrending Giselle, and Coppélia's vivacious Swanilda, to members of the stellar corps.