Message of Veingsay Valdés to Kevin McKenzie

Mr. Kevin McKenzie

Director, American Ballet Theatre

Dear Friend,

In view of the present circumstances, when the 80th Anniversary of the American Ballet Theatre will not be celebrated with the magnitude we all had expected, I am sending you on behalf of the Ballet Nacional de Cuba our warmest congratulations, knowing that the great talents of the ABT artists and the beauty they have been offering to the world for eight decades will shine again on the stage once this devastating health crisis is left behind us.

We have always considered the American Ballet Theatre as one of the most solid pillars in the foundation of the Ballet Nacional de Cuba. Alicia Alonso, Fernando Alonso and Alberto Alonso, our founders, had the privilege to be a part of that dream that came true in New York City from the very beginning for Alicia and Fernando, and for Alberto in 1944.

With her debut portraying Giselle in 1943 as a member of the ABT staff, Alicia Alonso sealed the dawn of a long history of successes that made her a legend in the beloved art of dance, which became her greatest passion until her last day. In this year 2020, the Ballet Nacional de Cuba and the American Ballet Theater celebrate Alicia Alonso’s Birth Centennial with the joy and the pride for her everlasting presence in our lives and for the unparalleled example she set for all dancers in the world. We also remember with same pride that some members of the American Ballet Theatre were on the Ballet Nacional de Cuba original staff in 1948.

Dear Kevin, please receive our heartfelt message of admiration and solidarity, and extend it to all ABT members during these difficult times. We are certain that the resiliency displayed by humankind in the most challenging times will conquer this adversity, and that the artists of the American Ballet Theatre will soon be again on the stage receiving from the audience the well-deserved admiration and love they have been receiving for eighty years now.

With sincere affection,

Viengsay Valdés

Director, Ballet Nacional de  Cuba