CBYE is your North American gateway to training with the National Ballet of Cuba

The Ballet Nacional de Cuba (BNC) constitutes one of the top five most prestigious dance companies of the world.  Founded by Ms. Alicia Alonso, the Cuban National Ballet is the highest expression of the Cuban style of ballet.  Since the founding of the BNC, the company’s performances have simply exploded in the world’s theatres in over 58 countries. 

The Cuban National Ballet School is the largest ballet school in the world which turns out 40 professional dancers a year.  Many graduates of the school have become marquee names and principal dancers in several American and British companies. 

Cuban Style of Ballet

The Cuban style of ballet follows the classical Russian system with a unique expressive flare that stems from Latin- American cultural roots.

“The Cuban style comes from deep within the Cuban spirit, from our joys and from our sadness,’‘ Alonso says. “Some people are turned inward. The Cubans are always out, sensual. The Cuban ballet style comes from me, from my way of projecting my whole being.”

Workshops in Cuba

Workshops are open to male and female pre-professional students who looking to enhance their dance training. Each class is taught by professional ballet masters from the BNC. Classes are designed as a combination of theoretical-practical engagement with the technique and interpretive concepts of the Cuban style of ballet. Classes focus on the physical preparation and performance qualities of the dancer.

Training Overview:

Basic Training Module: 
Students attending the workshop will take part in the following weekly schedule of classes:

Ballet Class - daily
Body Conditioning - 3 X per week
Pointe Class - 2 X per week *
Pas de Deux - 1 X per week *
Stage Make Up Application Techniques - 1 X per week

* For younger students who have no experience dancing en pointe, the basic training module will be adjusted to fit their current level of training.

Specialty Classes:
Students can enhance their Basic Training Module by adding on the following classes:

Variations
History of Dance
Music Appreciation
Methodology

The duration and start of the training period can be personalized to each student or group of students.  Classes are approximately 1 hour in duration and take place from Monday through Saturday.  Students will be provided with their weekly schedule upon arrival at the BNC school.  For student’s travelling as a group, a group schedule will be created.

Students under the age of 18 must travel with an adult chaperone/parent.  All classes take place at the BNC school in Havana, Cuba.  The BNC school address is Calle Calzada No. 510 entre D y E, El Vedado, Ciudad de La Habana.

Training Costs

$525 CAD – workshop fee per month of training
     (Basic Training Module)

$75 CAD – one time registration fee

Total Training Fee:  $600 CAD

Additional Costs:
additional fee may apply for added specialty classes
Airfare, Accommodations, Meals, Visa and Passport

CBYE can assist you in planning your accommodations, flight and visa application.  Discounted rates on hotels and airfare are available.

Register for a Workshop

Please fill out the student registration form and mail it to:

The Canadian Ballet Youth Ensemble
C/O Student Workshops in Cuba
145 Main Street East
Hamilton, ON
L8N 1G4
Canada

Train with BNC in Canada

CBYE is proud to announce the opening of the first school in Canada to teach the Cuban style of ballet.  The Cuban School of Ballet – Hamilton Affiliate Program is open to pre-professional students ages 7 and up who have a passion for the art of ballet and are seeking to enhance their technical and performance skills.   

Learn more…