A gala featuring excerpts of essential works from the classic repertoire of the National Ballet of Cuba, in versions by Alicia Alonso, will celebrate tomorrow the 78th anniversary of the company founded by the prima ballerina assoluta in 1948.

The company—led by first dancer Viengsay Valdés following Alonso's passing—will present The Magic of Dance, an anthological show that includes excerpts from the Cuban version of Giselle, created by Alonso (1920–2019), to commemorate 185 years since the premiere of that classic in 1841 in Paris.

The tribute program includes Sleeping Beauty, The Nutcracker, Coppelia, Don Quixote, and Swan Lake, as well as the finale of Gottschalk Symphony, an original choreography by the prima ballerina assoluta herself, highlights a press release from the institution.

The evening will exalt the artistic legacy of an entity that has been deservedly named Cultural Heritage of the Cuban Nation, which has carried the name of Cuba to stages around the world and has preserved and enriched a performing dance tradition of extraordinary value, the company emphasizes.

Along with the leading figures, soloists, and the corps de ballet of the National Ballet of Cuba, the Symphony Orchestra of the Alicia Alonso Grand Theater of Havana will also perform under the direction of Idalgel Marquetti.

The company's performance will take place at the capital's National Theater, and the cast will be led by Alianed Moreno in the role of Giselle, Yankiel Vázquez as Albrecht, Ernesto Díaz portraying Hilarion, while Myrtha, the Queen of the Wilis, will be played by Ana Pessino.

In Sleeping Beauty, Carolina Estrada will be in the role of Princess Aurora, Prince Désiré will be portrayed by Dani Hernández, while in The Nutcracker, Gabriela Druynet will interpret the Sugar Plum Fairy, and Anyelo Montero will be her Cavalier.