US choreographer touts talent of National Ballet of Cuba

Havana, Sep 1 (EFE).- US choreographer Jessica Lang on Thursday emphasized the talent of the members of the National Ballet of Cuba (BNC), who will perform their most recent work, “Joyful We,” in October.

“The National Ballet of Cuba is so important in the global image of ballet. I believe it was important in my journey as a choreographer to come to Cuba. It is very special to me to work with this group of dancers under the direction of Viengsay (Valdes),” Lang told reporters at the headquarters of the dance company in Havana minutes before beginning rehearsals for the performance.

Accompanied by Japanese choreographer Kanji Segawa, the representative of the American Ballet Theatre, among other companies, said that 24 dancers – 12 men and 12 women – will appear in the piece dancing to Mozart’s Piano Concerto No. 5.

The world premier of the work will be staged during the 27th Alicia Alonso International Ballet Festival, which will be held in Havana from Oct. 20 through Nov. 13.

Lang also expressed her hope that the festival will foster a “special connection” and help guide relations between Cuba and the United States.

“I hope this brings to light a special connection. Ballet, the arts, is for people, and I think as an artist it is really important to reflect back what we should hope the world (becomes),” said the dancer, who has performed and/or presented about 100 works during her two-decade professional career.

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