HAVANA, Cuba, Jan 16. Being  “Tradition and New Paths” the main theme for this year’s International Ballet Festival of Havana, scheduled for October 28 thru November 6, the event is expected to bring a parade of classic and modern ballet choreographies to the Cuban capital.

The program for the 23rd festival, presided over by prima ballerina assoluta Alicia Alonso, includes performances of classics, among them Swans Lake, Coppélia, The Sleeping Beauty of the Forest, Giselle and other emblematic ballets such as Shakespeare and His Masks, a peculiar version of Romeo and Julliette with music by Gounod, by the Ballet Nacional de Cuba featuring guest ballet stars coming from other countries and world prestigious companies. There will be premieres of pieces specially created
for the occasion as well, according to BNC sources.

The winning work of the Seventh Alicia Alonso Iberian American Choreography Contest, CIC’2012 will be announced during the event, which will also feature two special performances, one of them dedicated to the birth of Igor Youskevitch –one of the greatest dancers of the 20th century
who was Alicia Alonso’s partenaire for several years – and the other one to Cuban poet and playwright Virgilio Piñera.

Among the most awaited events to take place as part of the Festival is a course on ballet technique for professional ballet dancers, teachers and advanced students.

Renowned plastic artists will exhibit their work in different galleries in Havana and there will lectures, book presentations and the screening of movies related to the event.

The International Ballet Festival of Havana is a unique opportunity for the exchange among leading dancers, personalities, critics, specialists and businesspeople involved in the world of classic dance; as well as an anticipated event for ballet lovers.

Performances will be staged at the Grand Theater of Havana, the National, Mella and Karl Marx theaters, all in the Cuban capital. (acn)