CBYE Media Releases

July 9, 2007- Media Release

CBYE Welcomes World-Renowned Cuban Ballet to Hamilton

HAMILTON - Every year, the Canadian Ballet Youth Ensemble (CBYE) aims to raise the bar on its annual Nutcracker performance. This year, the performance will have a distinctly Cuban flavour.  It comes in the form of Alicia Alonso, internationally renowned prima ballerina and one of the nation’s most treasured artists, who will bring a Cuban flair through her artistic direction. 

The CBYE is proud to welcome Alicia and some 45 Cuban performers from The Ballet Nacional de Cuba to Hamilton this December. The Cuban dancers will share the stage with youth from the CBYE in four public performances. 

“It’s an absolute honour to have one of the best classical ballet companies in the world perform with the CBYE,” says Belma Diamante, CBYE president.  “Alicia is a legendary dance figure and having her custom-fit the choreography for our Nutcracker is something to jump up and get excited about.”

Most famous for her portrayals as Giselle and Carmen, Alicia is one of ballet’s greatest all-time performers.  Alicia founded The Ballet Nacional de Cuba in 1948 (formerly known as the Alicia Alonso Ballet Company), and has received a line up of awards and recognitions throughout her lifetime for her contribution to the arts - the UNESCO Pablo Picasso Medal and National Hero of Labour in Cuba recognition award, to name a few.  Today, Alicia is in her early 80s, yet continues to direct her Cuban ballet company. 

Music in the Nutcracker will be performed by the Hamilton Philharmonic Orchestra under the direction of conductor, Giovanni Duarte, from The Ballet Nacional de Cuba.

Advance tickets for the Nutcracker are now on sale at the Copps Coliseum box office and all Ticketmaster outlets.  For ticket information, call 905-527-7666 or visit www.ticketmaster.ca.

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For more information, please contact Megan Bidwell, Hellingman Communications,
905-527-2985, extension 13.