Camagüey, April 26.- The Plaza Hotel, the oldest in operation in this heritage city, hosted the opening of the Choreography Competition dedicated to Fernando Alonso (1914-2013), a leading figure in the history of ballet in Cuba.
The initial day focused on the theoretical section and was a favorable opportunity to bring together specialists with students from the Vicentina de la Torre Academy (founder of the Camagüey Ballet in 1967), and debate the greatness of Alonso, a key entity in the development of the Cuban Ballet School.
For Miguel Cabrera, one of the most important experts in dance history in the country, knowledge of the existence of the Camagüey Ballet was not a competition for Fernando and his National Ballet, due to the respect and admiration he felt precisely for Vicentina.
The specialist, after giving an outline of all of Alonso's contribution, explained how despite the shortcomings, both companies have survived.
Cabrera also assured that these teachers kept the flame alive, especially with the National Ballet, which is a jewel, our heritage, which Alicia Alonso always defended in the most complicated moments and affirmed the passage of difficult moments.
The current Contest, which will run until the 28th and will extend to stages such as the Teatro Principal, accentuated the idea of ??the critic and researcher, Ismael Albelo.
Those of us who defend true art have to be at the forefront of this type of recognition of Alonso, a Renaissance artist who had no secrets to see his work grow, his creation, a legacy to Cuba and Latin America, he stated.
Camagüey, which boasts one of the most important classical ballet companies in the Caribbean, had in Fernando when he directed the institution a support that radiated knowledge, and that only great artists achieve.
The previous statement was made by the 2023 National Dance Prize winner, José Antonio Chávez, while Regina Balaguer, current director of the Camagüey Ballet, confirmed the importance of Fernando Alonso's legacy.
My challenge has always been difficult from my inexperienced position when I assumed direction, however his help was always capital, so no tribute could live up to what he left us.
Balaguer added the values ??of Fernando's methodology and the Cuban School, without it we would not be here today.
Ideas arising from a dialogue between generations resulted in the intention to promote a Dance Day in Cuba, as well as the rise of Competitions like this one dedicated to Fernando Alonso, engines to maintain one of the great treasures of Antillean culture. (Text and photos: PL)
