Madrid, June 3. — The National Ballet of Cuba (BNC) successfully concluded an extensive tour that covered several cities in Spain and Lisbon, Portugal, culminating in Zaragoza. The last hours in Spain were full of emotions after the successful presentations in Zaragoza, where Don Quixote was performed, the same work with which the European tour began on April 5.
In its last presentation at the Teatro Principal of Zaragoza, Marius Petipa’s famous ballet, Don Quixote, was performed in a choreographic version by Marta García and María Elena Llorente, under the artistic direction of Alicia Alonso, with music by Ludwig Minkus and libretto by Salvador Fernández, Prensa Latina reported.
The main roles were played by Anette Delgado (Kitri), Dani Hernández (Basilio), Estefanía Hernández (Mercedes), Jorge Guerra (Espada, the bullfighter), Gabriela Druyet (Queen of the Dryads) and Alianed Moreno (Amor). The audience applauded the performances for several minutes and, in response, the group, along with the prima ballerina Viengsay Valdés and the general director of the BNC, thanked them for the recognition.
As in Lisbon and in 21 Spanish cities, the performances were marked by displays of affection, applause and shouts of Bravo! and, sometimes, Viva Cuba!
The BNC performed 19 performances of the complete version of “Don Quixote” and nine dance concert programs that included works of different styles and ways of interpreting this art, including the second act of “Giselle”, in a version by Alicia Alonso, among other works.
Finally, the members of the BNC paid tribute to José Martí, taking a photo from box number 13 of the Teatro Principal, where the young Martí and his friend Fermín Valdés Domínguez used to enjoy shows, mainly plays.
