National Ballet of Cuba makes its Salford debut as part of 10th anniversary celebrations
SALFORD DEBUT FOR BALLET NACIONAL DE CUBA
Magia de la Danza Wed 14 & Thurs 15 Apr 2010
Swan Lake Fri 16 Apr & Sat 17 Apr 2010 North West premiere
Press nights
Wed 14 April, 7.30pm Magia de la Danza
Fri 16 April, 7.30pm Swan Lake
NB A limited amount of press tickets are available for Thu 15 April when Carlos Acosta performs
The Lowry is delighted to welcome Ballet Nacional de Cuba, one of the world’s most prestigious dance companies to its stage for the first time, from Wed 14 April – Sat 17 April, forming part of the venue’s 10th anniversary celebrations.
The visit includes one performance (Thu 15 April) with principal guest artist Carlos Acosta, returning to The Lowry following his successful solo appearances as part of both Manchester International Festivals. This will be the first time Cuban superstar Carlos Acosta has performed with the whole company in the UK, who are only touring to four venues as part of their first ever UK tour.
Robert Robson, Artistic Director of The Lowry said: “This is a fantastic coup for the region and one of the highlights of our tenth anniversary year. The Lowry opened almost 10 years ago with Paris Opera Ballet and has continued its commitment to dance ever since. Other international dance highlights during our first decade include the Kirov & Bolshoi ballet, Merce Cunningham, NDT1 and NDT2, Alvin Ailey, Mark Morris, Sylvie Guillem and Dance Theatre of Harlem.”
On this first UK tour, BALLET NACIONAL DE CUBA perform two programmes in Salford. Magia de la Danza (14 - 15 April) is a mixed bill featuring extracts from seven of the company's most famous ballets including Coppelia, Nutcracker and Swan Lake. They also perform the full length ballet Swan Lake, (16 – 17 April) a classic production performed with drama and style, featuring world-class performances from the full company of dancers.
Founded and directed by Cuban ballet legend Alicia Alonso, now in her nineties and as influential as ever, Ballet Nacional de Cuba is renowned internationally for its unparalleled technique. Alicia is acclaimed as one of the 20th century’s greatest ballerinas, George Balanchine created Theme and Variations for her; she choreographed and reworked many ballet productions; and made the role of Giselle her own, an amazing achievement given that she became partially blind at the age of 19. Alicia Alonso, Artistic Director of Ballet Nacional de Cuba, will hold a free question and answer session with the audience following the performance on Wed 14 April.
Based at the Great Theatre of Havana in Cuba, the company is recognised as one of the world's leading ballet companies. Carlos Acosta, arguably the greatest male ballet dancer of his generation, was Alonso’s student before beginning his international career. Carlos will make a special appearance with the company at The Lowry, on Thursday 15 April performing Grand Pas de Deux from Act III of Don Quixote.
After opening at the London Coliseum, the company will embark on their UK tour, performing at The Lowry in Salford, Birmingham Hippodrome, and Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff.
The Lowry celebrates its 10th anniversary on 28 April 2010 and has spent 10 years delighting, engaging and challenging both local and national audiences with the very best in visual art and performance. The Lowry Centre Trust is a not-for-profit charitable organisation and registered charity (no. 1053962). All income supports our world-class Theatres and Galleries programme, the care and display of the LS Lowry Collection and our life-changing Community and Education work. The Lowry’s Chief Executive, Julia Fawcett was awarded an OBE for services to the Arts in the Queen’s 2010 New Year Honours list.
The Lowry is delighted to present Ballet National De Cuba through the generous support of Arts Council England Sustain fund.
Posted on Friday, 26 February 2010 under Press Theatre Press