Havana Ballet Festival

The Havana Ballet Festival: A Celebration of Cuba’s Rich Ballet Tradition

Cuba’s artistic heritage is world-renowned and appreciated by local residents and visitors alike. This is very evident in the island’s thriving ballet scene. Every two years, the Havana Ballet Festival brings together some of the world’s finest dancers, choreographers and dance enthusiasts in a spectacular celebration of Cuba’s love for ballet. Participants in the Caledonia October dance holiday in Havana this year were lucky to get tickets for a spectacular performance at the Teatro Nacional de Cuba just off Revolution Square, a mixed programme with Russian, Swiss, Austrian, American and Cuban dancers performing short excerpts from classical and more contemporary pieces.  More than just a performance showcase, this festival is a testament to the deep roots ballet has within Cuban culture, and how it continues to shape the identity of this vibrant nation.

The History of Ballet in Cuba

Ballet’s history in Cuba is as dramatic as the dances themselves. Whilst ballet had its early ties to Spanish colonial influence, it was during the 19th century that the art form really began to take root in the island. The first ballet performance in Cuba was staged in 1842 at the Teatro Tacón in Havana, which later became the Gran Teatro de La Habana. Throughout the 19th and early 20th centuries, ballet in Cuba evolved mainly through French and Russian traditions.

However, it was after the Cuban Revolution in 1959 that ballet truly became a cornerstone of Cuban cultural identity. Under the leadership of Fidel Castro, Cuba placed a strong emphasis on arts education, with a focus on the classical arts like ballet. Alicia Alonso, one of the greatest ballerinas of the 20th century, played a central role in this transformation. Alonso, who became a principal dancer with the American Ballet Theatre before returning to Cuba, founded the National Ballet of Cuba in 1948. She was responsible for creating a unique school of dance that blended Cuban cultural elements with classical European techniques and put Cuba firmly on the world ballet map.

Ballet and Cuban Identity: More Than Just an Art Form

For many Cubans, ballet is not simply a form of artistic expression; it is an integral part of the nation’s identity. It represents the country’s commitment to excellence and discipline, qualities that are woven into the fabric of Cuba’s educational system. The National Ballet School, founded in 1962, is one of the most prestigious ballet academies in the world, producing dancers who go on to perform at major companies internationally and also at the Havana Ballet Festival.

Ballet in Cuba is also about accessibility. Unlike in many parts of the world where ballet may be seen as an elitist pursuit, in Cuba it is open to all. Children from across the island, regardless of their economic background, are trained in ballet, often receiving world-class education and training. This democratic approach to the art form allows ballet to be woven into the lives of many Cubans, creating a deep sense of pride and connection to the discipline.

Additionally, Cuban ballet dancers are celebrated for their unique style, which combines technical precision with the natural, expressive movements inspired by Cuban dance forms like rumba and mambo. Cuban dancers have a distinctive flair, one that sets them apart from their European counterparts, blending strength, grace, and rhythm.

The Havana Ballet Festival: A Global Celebration

The Havana Ballet Festival, established in 1960, is a cultural institution in Cuba. It is one of the most anticipated events in the country, drawing audiences from all over the world to witness incredible performances. While the festival is an opportunity to showcase Cuban talent, it also serves as a platform for international ballet companies to share their artistry with a Cuban audience. The festival’s grand opening is often a highly anticipated event, with performances ranging from classical works to contemporary choreography.

One of the defining features of the festival is its inclusivity. Ballet companies from around the globe, from Russia’s Bolshoi Ballet to France’s Paris Opera Ballet, come to Havana to perform alongside Cuban dancers, creating a rich and diverse artistic dialogue. It’s also a moment for the Cuban public to see some of the world’s greatest ballet stars perform in their own country. Tickets for Cubans start from 150 pesos (around 45p) making it affordable to  many.

More than just a performance, the festival includes master classes, workshops and discussions with leading choreographers and dancers. This is an opportunity for young Cuban dancers to interact with international artists and gain insight into global ballet trends, while also showing the world the talent that Cuba has nurtured.

Ballet’s Future in Cuba

Despite the challenges Cuba faces — from economic difficulties to the ongoing effects of global politics — the island’s commitment to the arts, especially ballet, remains unwavering. The Havana Ballet Festival stands as a symbol of the resilience and vitality of Cuban culture. It also highlights the island’s dedication to preserving ballet’s place within its national identity.

For young dancers in Cuba, ballet represents a path to personal and professional growth. Cuban ballet continues to thrive, both within the island and abroad, with dancers often performing on prestigious stages like the Royal Ballet in London, the American Ballet Theatre in New York, or the Mariinsky Theatre in St. Petersburg.

The art form is also evolving with the times. Cuban choreographers are blending ballet with other genres, including modern dance and Afro-Cuban rhythms, creating a new and exciting wave of Cuban choreography that will define the next generation of ballet.

Ballet’s Enduring Legacy in Cuba

Cuba’s ballet tradition is not just about pirouettes and plies; it is about passion, history and national pride. The Havana Ballet Festival is a testament to the strength and vibrancy of Cuban ballet, as well as the island’s broader commitment to the arts. It is an event that showcases both the rich history and the future potential of ballet in Cuba, continuing to inspire audiences and dancers from around the world. For Cubans, ballet is more than an art form — it is a reflection of their spirit, their resilience, their artistic heritage and their creativity.

As the festival continues to grow, it remains a beacon of hope, a reminder of Cuba’s rich cultural legacy, and a symbol of the enduring power of dance to bring people together, both locally and globally.

The next Havana Ballet Festival will take place in late October/early November 2026. Join us in Havana for the event and enjoy an intensive week of salsa lessons and friendly accommodation with tickets for the ballet festival included.