Prodanza Celebrates December with the Alonso Family Legacy

The Compañía Ballet Laura Alonso will present two concert galas honoring the Alonso family, whose legacy has been fundamental to the creation, development, and international projection of dance in Cuba.

Titled "Alonso por Siempre", the celebration will be a tribute to the founders and pillars of the Cuban School of Ballet, who over several generations have forged an artistic tradition combining technical rigor with a futuristic vision, states a release from the company's communications team.

The source emphasizes that the contribution of siblings Fernando and Alberto, as well as prima ballerina assoluta Alicia Alonso, has been essential in training dancers, preserving the classical repertoire, and the creation and adaptation of world-renowned works.

Under the general direction of maître and dancer Laura Alonso, the performances will take place on Saturday, December 27, and Sunday, December 28, at 5:00 p.m. in the Karl Marx Theatre. The program features an extensive repertoire with excerpts from emblematic works most closely associated with the illustrious artist.

Significant attention has been drawn to an invitation posted on social media by the leader of Prodanza herself, explaining why this December holds a special meaning in the family's history: the 21st marks Alicia's birthday, the 27th Fernando's—her parents—and December 31st marks the passing of her uncle Alberto.

To speak of them, she wrote, "is to speak not only of my family, but of three pillars who forever transformed dance in Cuba and—why not say it—also in the world, winning over the most diverse sensibilities through sheer rigor and true results."

The concert will feature the Pas de Deux from Black Swan (part of Act III of "Swan Lake")—based on Alicia's version—along with excerpts from "Giselle" and "The Dying Swan," all bearing Laura's choreographic signature. Completing the program will be the Pas de Deux from "Don Quixote" and the Balcony Scene from "Romeo and Juliet," in a version by choreographer Iván Monreal Alonso.

Each gala will conclude with the "Carmen" suite, choreographed by Alberto, based on the French libretto by Ludovic Halévy and Henri Meilhac from the novel by Prosper Mérimée, with music by Georges Bizet and Rodion Shchedrin.

The principal roles will be performed by leading dancers and soloists of the company, whose names will be announced soon, adds the Prodanza communication.

Tickets for "Alonso por Siempre" will be available at the theatre box office starting December 23, from Tuesday to Sunday, between 9:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m.; they can also be purchased up to one hour after the performances begin.