On Stage is the name of the show to be held on August 1st in Sarasota, United States, that includes five students from the National School of Ballet (ENB) with different variations of the classical ballet repertoire.
Together with the teachers Ramona Saa, director of the ENB, and Ana Julia Bermúdez, for the first time in the United States and the headquarters of the Cuban School of Ballet Sarasota, there are Daniela Gómez Pérez, Diana Menendez, Laura Tosar, Rafael Quenedit Castro and Fransúa Llorente, representatives of the most recent promotion of the art institution of the Island.
Students and staff of the American Institute are exchanging and rehearsing with the young Cuban dancers, taking classes with Saa and Bermudez, receiving lectures and talks around the Cuban ballet method, current situation and teaching procedures in Cuba.
According to the great dancer, Cuban Carlos Acosta, “Sarasota Cuban Ballet School continues the legacy of the Cuban method which is known for its passion and grace. This award-winning and recognized school teaches its students the methodology of excellence. ”
Founded in 2012 by Wilmian Hernandez and Ariel Serrano, the Sarasota Cuban School of Ballet has earned laurels important as the prize for the most outstanding school in the American Grand Prix in Atlanta in 2013, and some of its students have been awarded the American Dance Competition, the Junior Grand Prix and ADC Youth American Grand Prix.
Among the Cubans, Fransúa Llorente and Rafael Quenedit obtained last year the gold and silver medals respectively in the International Ballet Competition in South Africa.
yesterday I was privileged to see first hand what Ariel Serrano and his wife Wilmian Hernandez have already accomplished in Sarasota building a wonderful multi studio complex , and obviously to have Mme de Saa and Ana Julia come to give the Summer Intensive, not only, with little pre-publicity have brought together students from the US but also from Mexico, Boston Ballet and many others. The class I was invited to observe and also the following Performance rehearsal, was inspiring. Ana Julia is one of the finest teachers I have been privileged to see and alsoMaestra deSaa taking the lower level students in the other main studio, I was a soloist with Ballet Alicia in 1951-52 and have taught Ballet all my life, until I was 81 now I am 84 and seeing these young dancers and knowing they are receiving the Best training now , but also year round by Serrano and Hernandez , how lucky can you get ? Sincerely Fred Favorite D.B. FL.
Nothing short of astounding. Last night’s performance at Sarasota’s Opera House shows the depth of talent and training in Cuba where ballet is the national pastime. And the students from the Sarasota Cuban Ballet School rose to the occasion and showed the polish Ramona Saa and her staff were able to add to the already well trained local talent. Bravi to all concerned. I hope I will have the opportunity to see this exchange of training and performance again.