CUBA: Legendary prima ballerina Alicia Alonso celebrates her 85th birthday with a Who's Who of Cuban stars

A select group of Cuba's most famous artists gathered on Tuesday (December 20) night to celebrate the 85th birthday of legendary Cuban ballerina, Alicia Alonso. The event included piano virtuoso Chucho Valdes, Buena Vista Social Club singer Omara Portuondo, folk singer Zenaida Armenteros, balladeer Miriam Ramos and singer Pablo Milanes as well as dancers from the Contemporary Dance Company of Cuba and the National Ballet, which Alonso has led since 1948. Milanes led the festivities, singing the Cuban song "Yolanda" and substituting Alicia's name. "As an artist, what can I say that has not already been said of Alicia? Of what she represents for dance in the world and of what she represents for us," said Milanes. Alonso said she was touched by the tribute. "It has been a beautiful, unforgettable night - not only for me but for everyone here," she said. She was born Alicia de la Caridad Martinez Hoya on December 21, 1920 in Havana. Early in her life, she showed an inclination for dance and began to train seriously in 1931 at the Ballet School of the Pro-Art Musicial Society. Later, she went to the United States to continue her training. She was one of the founding members of the American Ballet Theatre in 1940, and in 1943 she became one of their leading ballerinas. Alonso founded the National Ballet of Cuba in 1948 with her two brothers and her first husband. In June 2002, she was designated UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador for her contribution to the development, preservation and popularisation of classical dance.

ITN Source | December 29, 2005

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