The event turned into a space for reflection, learning, and celebration of the universality of this art form, in an atmosphere marked by the technical rigor and human warmth that distinguish the Cuban school.

At the opening gala, Commander-in-Chief Fidel Castro was honored in the year of his centennial, whose program included excerpts from Le Corsaire, Swan Lake, and The Nutcracker, performed by students of the Fernando Alonso National Ballet School.

VAnother significant moment during the event was when Viengsay Valdés, prima ballerina and general director of the National Ballet of Cuba, gave a master class to third-year students of Fernando Alonso National Ballet School and international guests.

In keeping with the goal of bringing art to communities, the event moved to Los Sitios neighborhood in Central Havana municipality, home to the Cabildo Quisicuaba Sociocultural Project.

Ballet isn’t the only highlight of each edition; the opportunities for camaraderie within the academic community, sharing experiences, techniques, knowledge, and ways to appreciate and cultivate this discipline are invaluable.

The Fernando Alonso National Ballet School recognized the Jose Marti Pioneer Organization on its anniversary, while the San Alejandro Academy of Fine Arts presented its director, Dani Hernandez, with a portrait of prima ballerina assoluta Alicia Alonso, painted by student Juan David Gutierrez.

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