Dance
La Magia de la Danza
Ballet Nacional de Cuba
Created by Alicia Alonso
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.