Art

Cuban Artists Demand Removal Of Culture Minister

The Cuban activist group 27N submitted a legal request for Alonso’s removal to the National Assembly of People’s Power on February 3 on behalf of nearly 1,300 artists, intellectuals, and activists. – Artnet
Tags: Art, Issues, Alonso, 02.22.21, National Assembly of People 's Power

Alicia Alonso, Cuba’s (Very) Long-Reigning Doyenne Of Ballet, Dead At 98

“Alonso received recognition throughout the world for her flawless technique and her ability to become one with the characters she danced, even after she became nearly blind. After a career in New York, she and her then-husband Fernando Alonso established the Cuban National Ballet and the Cuban National Ballet School, both of which grew into major international dance powerhouses and beloved institutions in their home country.” She remained director of the company until her death, serving for 71...
Tags: Art, New York, People, Fernando Alonso, Alonso, Cuban National Ballet School, Cuban National Ballet, 10.17.19, Alicia Alonso Cuba

Meet The Woman Who’s (Finally) Taking The Helm Of The National Ballet Of Cuba From Alicia Alonso

“Over the years, rumors of possible successors have surfaced and vanished, as [the now-98-year-old] Ms. Alonso, at least partially blind since the 1940s, talked of living to 200. But her grip has finally loosened. In January, the Cuban ministry of culture appointed Viengsay Valdés, the Ballet Nacional’s 42-year-old prima ballerina, as the troupe’s deputy artistic director … She is now responsible for all artistic decisions: programming, casting, promotions.” – The New York Times
Tags: Art, Dance, Alonso, Alicia Alonso, National Ballet of Cuba, 05.15.19, Ballet Nacional

Alicia Alonso, At Age 98, Finally Turns Over The Reins Of The National Ballet Of Cuba

“[The company has named] the beloved hometown prima ballerina Viengsay Valdés … deputy artistic director, which means she will immediately assume the daily responsibilities of running the company. Alonso will retain the title of general director, but in practice, Valdés will be the one making all the artistic decisions.” — Dance Magazine
Tags: Art, Dance, Cuba, Alonso, Valdes, Alicia Alonso, 01.22.19

Cuba’s Ballet Nacional Considers How To Change As Gracefully As It Can

“Ms. Alonso likes to say that she will live to 200 and will still be running the company 100 years from now. She has never chosen a successor. Ask anyone involved with the Ballet Nacional what happens ‘after Alicia,’ and you get shrugs and sighs. Change must be coming but probably not while Ms. Alonso […]
Tags: Art, Dance, Cuba, Alonso, ALICIA, 05.06.16