Havana, March 31 (Prensa Latina) The National Ballet of Cuba (BNC) received a donation of ballet shoes sent by dancers from the San Francisco Ballet, a gesture of solidarity that will mainly benefit the students of the institution’s Dance Department.
The delivery was made by American designer Valeria Landau, daughter of filmmaker and friend of Cuba Saúl Landau (1936-2013), who visited the BNC headquarters and was received by the prima ballerina and general director, Viengsay Valdés.
“I’m just the messenger,” Landau said, conveying the enthusiasm of the American artists for contributing to this shipment, in which each pair of sneakers costs around $125, the BNC explained on social media.
The creator also spoke with teacher Mercedes Beltrán, director of the Dance Chair, about the current conditions of educational work with infants and the positive impact that the donation will have on those processes.
During her stay, she attended a rehearsal of La fille mal gardée, a work that is part of the Cuban company’s upcoming season in April, the dance company added.
Landau stressed that traveling to Cuba “in times of Trump is not for the faint of heart,” highlighting the risks of this type of solidarity initiative, which he considers essential because of the love and admiration he feels for Cuban ballet.
His visit coincided with the presence on the island of the Our America Convoy, an action that brought together dozens of American activists to bring essential supplies amid the blockade imposed by Washington.
rc/vnl
