Cuban Ballet Dancers Medal in Bulgaria

Cubasi
August 5, 2004

Both dancers upheld the prestige of the Cuban National Ballet troupe by winning this important competition, according to Wednesday's Juventud Rebelde newspaper.

This contest is considered by many as the Olympics of classic ballet due to the rigorous program that the participants must go through.

Alejandro and Yanela recently graduated from the National Ballet School in Havana and obtained a silver medal in the Junior category.

It has been several years in which Cuban dancers have not participated in this renowned ballet contest in the Bulgarian port city of Varna, located on the coast of the Black Sea.

This European city is considered one of the toughest dancing venues in the world.

The success of the two Cuban ballet dancers winds up their European tour which also included London. It served as a challenge to their talents and opens the way for future contests.

Alejandro Virelles and Yanela Pinera have been invited to compete in Prague, and the United States, as well as perform in the All Stars Ballet and Dance Festival in Tokyo, Japan.

Both Cuban dancers will now focus on a work program of Cuba's National Ballet company that will lead to the International Ballet Festival to be held in Havana in October.