Bocca’s Uruguay Ballet to Debut in Havana

Uruguay’s Sodre National Ballet directed by Argentinean former dancer Julio Bocca will make its debut on Saturday in the framework of the International Ballet Festival of Havana with classic and contemporary ballets.

Out of the stages since his retirement in 2006, Bocca comes back to the festival heading a 65 years-old company which he is trying to revitalize.

Sodre dancers will present "Our waltz" at Mella Theater in Havana choreographed by Vicente Nebrada and with Teresa Carreño’s music. "Our waltz" is an ancient work of great complexity, Bocca said on Friday in a press conference.

Dancer Esteban Berlanga of the English National Ballet and Rafael Coumes-Marquet of Dresden Semperoper will share the stage with the release of Faun (e) of English David Dawson.

The concert program includes members of SóLODOSneodans of Spain, with a four-part show performed by dancers Manuel Garzon, Erick Jiméndez, Amparo Novas and Maruxa Salas.

The former dancer and choreographer expressed his pleasure ‘cause of being present at the XXII International Ballet Festival of Havana.

Speaking to the press, the famed artist also spoke about his admiration for the director of the Ballet Nacional de Cuba, Alicia Alonso, and the Cuban people, whom he considered "sources of inspiration for undertaking any project."

For him, he said, it’s a privilege to participate in the Festival, so thanks to Alonso the chance to perform at the event with a good part of his dance group.

"Cuba, for me, is wonderful, always welcomed me into their scenarios, and for that reason was that I left here as a dancer, with a performance of 'Swan Lake', the same work with which debuted on my first visit to the Island, "he said.