Classic ballet with Cuban kick comes to Beijing

The Cuban National Ballet performs Swan Lake in Urumqi, capital of China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region on Feb 17. Photo by Jin Wei/Asianewsphoto

The story concludes with a happy end that show love and justice have eventually beaten evil, with the prince and princess living happily ever after, which is a major adaptation from the original work.

When it comes to Cuban ballet, Alicia Alonso's name is at the forefront of the minds of ballet lovers everywhere. As the founder of the Cuban National Ballet, she is Cuba's legendary prima ballerina assoluta, choreographer and mother of Laura Alonso.

Looking at her mother's ballet career, Laura Alonso said she has never met a person more courageous than her mom. "She has danced almost blind for a long time, using her feet to measure the stage and the stage lighting to identify direction," said the daughter. "She just loves the art of ballet so much."

Now the company, which is led by the daughter, ranks as one of the world's leading ballet troupes and has won global recognition because of its unique Cuban-tinged takes on classical ballets.

With its tour in China, the Cuban troupe has already traveled to and performed in several Chinese cities, including Shanghai, before it comes to the capital later this month. In total it will stage more than 40 performances in 20 cities across the country in more than 70 days, setting a new record for performances in China.

xiaolixin@chinadaily.com.cn