The National Ballet of Cuba is one of the most prestigious international dance companies in the world and occupies an important place in contemporary Ibero-American culture. The artistry and virtuosity of its dancers, as well as the creativity and diversity of its choreographers' aesthetic perspectives, place it among the top groups on the international stage.

Alicia Alonso was the driving force behind the founding of the company in 1948 and is one of its most important members, and in 1950 the Alicia Alonso National Ballet School was founded as a subsidiary of the professional company. From the outset, the artistic line of the company followed the Romantic and Classical traditions, but it also encouraged the creation of choreographers who sought inspiration from national and contemporary trends.

Even in the early days, the Alicia Alonso Ballet staged works by the Gagilev Ballets Russes, such as Petrushka or Afternoon of a Shepherd, as well as ballets by Cuban choreographers, such as The Black Party, Songorro Cosogo, Concerto, and Shadows, and classic ballets such as Giselle, Swan Lake, or Ghibelline, which were performed in full. Giselle, Swan Lake or Gloria.

The Revolution of 1959 marked the beginning of a new era for Cuban ballet. That year, as part of a new cultural project, the National Ballet of Cuba was founded. Since then, it has continued to reach impressive heights, enriching its repertoire and training new dancers, choreographers, teachers and other artists. It has also inspired visual artists and musicians, even those who do not work in the field of dance. In addition to improving the traditional repertoire, the Ballet Nacional de Cuba has promoted a rapidly growing choreographic movement, some of whose choreographies are among the most important in the field of contemporary choreography.

In addition to an intensive programme of performances in the country, where ballet has become viable and popular among all sectors of society, the Ballet Nacional de Cuba undertakes annual international tours to many countries in Europe, Asia and the Americas. It has won such important awards as the Grand Prix de la Ville de Paris, the Order of the Republic of Cuba ‘Félix Varela’ and, wherever it performs, it wins the praise of the best known and most respected dance critics. Many of the company's dancers have also won awards at various international competitions and festivals.

The Ballet Nacional de Cuba is the embodiment of the aesthetic style of the Cuban school of ballet. This style blends elements inherited from centuries of stage dance traditions with the quintessential elements of our culture to create something very Cuban.

Alicia Alonso - Founder

Alicia Alonso, prima ballerina and founder of the Ballet Nacional de Cuba, is one of the most famous figures in the history of ballet and a leading figure in the field of classical ballet in Hispanic American culture.

Viensay Valdés - Artistic Director

Born in Havana, Viencia Valdés began her studies at the ‘Alejo Carpentier’ Basic Ballet School. She won many awards, including the Gold Medal at the Vignale Dance Competition in Italy (1993) and the Grand Prix de Ballet at the Youth Competition of the Cuban National Union of Writers and Artists (UNEAC), graduating with Gold Medal honours in 1994 and joining the Ballet Nacional de Cuba, from which she was promoted to principal dancer in 1996, and became principal dancer of the company in 2001.