Tribute to Santiago Alfonso on the Occasion of his 85th Birthday

July 26, 2024

Santiago Alfonso, National Prize for Dance 2006 in Cuba, turned 85 years old this Thursday and today enjoys the recognition and affection of the artistic sector that considers him a master of dance spectacle.

In the context of his birthday, the premiere of the documentary Santiago, la gloria eres tú took place on Wednesday at the Sala Llauradó in the capital, and there the honoree received gifts and recognition from Cuban president Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez, Culture Minister Alpidio Alonso and numerous institutions.

Friends, colleagues, students and admirers of the master gathered at the venue, who appreciated in the audiovisual directed by Pedro Maytín his period of splendor as Cuba's Changó, his thinking, rigor and choreographic signature, as well as his struggles and hardships, his love for teaching and for Cuba.

The production of the documentary was carried out by the National Council of the Performing Arts, an institution that honored Alfonso by distinguishing his extensive career that has brought prestige to the island on national and international stages.

The seasoned artist thanked everyone who contributed to his formation, especially master Ramiro Guerra, and many other figures over the years.

Santiago, la gloria eres tú, leaves for posterity transcendental moments of the life and work of the master, with testimonies from those awarded National Prizes for dance and essential considerations from the artist himself, also recognized as an icon of the emblematic Cuban cabaret Tropicana.