Cuba is an intoxicating and rhythmic paradise. Everything from sensual salsa to classical ballet, Cuban dance is a fertile mixture of African and European influences. Havana has innumerable contemporary and traditional dance companies as well as classical ballet schools that have survived the political and economic changes of this small and resilient island. Monumental colonial buildings open their doors every day to thousands of Cuban children, whose primary focus is dance, whether it berumba, salsa, guaguanco, classical ballet, contemporary dance or the exotic flamenco. Our recent trip to Havana allowed us the opportunity to meet Cuban dancers and photograph them both in performance venues and in selected locales. You will see the power and grace of these performing artists set against the backdrop of today’s Cuba with its haunting beauty.
Because we were there on May 1, we were able to join the International Workers Day Parade with about 750,000 participants. It is their 4th of July type of celebration, and the people were all in a celebratory spirit and welcomed me and my camera.
All of the Cuban people we encountered were welcoming to us as visitors, even as they struggle with many hardships in daily life.
The video and its images reflect the kaleidoscope of life we experienced.
