Sadaise: The Princess Who Became Queen

July 29, 2025

In the vibrant world of Cuban ballet, the voices of its artists are essential to understanding the evolution of this discipline. Recently, Tribuna de La Habana interviewed several members of the Ballet Nacional de Cuba (BNC), who shared their experiences and perspectives.

In these conversations, the dancers addressed various topics, such as the influence of emblematic figures, their challenges on stage, and the importance of teaching and transmitting knowledge to new generations.

On this occasion, we spoke with Sadaise Arencibia, one of the most emblematic figures of national culture and one of the most beloved of the BNC, who has left an indelible mark on the hearts of Cubans, who gave her well-deserved ovations when they said goodbye to her on April 23, 2025.

Arencibia chose Blood Wedding, a ballet inspired by the homonymous work by Federico García Lorca, to say see you soon!, aware that art is not abandoned, only transformed. Her retirement was not a goodbye, but the beginning of a new reign, where her throne is no longer the stage, but teaching, guidance, permanence.

In ballet, as in life, the most important thing is not only to reach the crown, but to be faithful to it, to care for it, to pass it on, to ensure that another princess—or prince—is ready to inherit it.

And Sadaise knows this. She, who for years embodied, among other roles, Odette, Giselle, Kitri and Carmen with an elegance that seemed innate, now contributes from the humility of one who has given everything and still has more to give.

During the interview, she shared her thoughts on this new stage of her life in dance.

"It is being a very important process for me right now, both personally and professionally," she commented, referring to her transition from active dancer to teacher. "It is simply transmitting what I have done and what all the teachers I had throughout my career taught me."

When speaking about her experience as a teacher, Sadaise highlighted the closeness she feels with her students. "It is a very beautiful experience. They are my work colleagues, the same ones I have been sharing with in my last times as a dancer."

Her empathy toward young dancers is palpable and she herself recognizes that she can help them better, because she knows what it is like to feel tired or pressured.

The conversation also touched on the topic of her impact on the public, as she has left an indelible mark on the hearts of Cubans. Many still resist accepting the artistic separation from this talented prima ballerina, evidencing the special connection she has cultivated throughout her career.

Sadaise expressed her gratitude for the reaction of those who have seen her dance. "It has made me tremendously happy that many people did not want to accept in a certain way the decision I made."

For her, knowing that her presence on stage was so valued is immense satisfaction. "What should never happen is that the public no longer wishes to see you on stage."

When reflecting on her decision to retire, Sadaise explained that it is a personal and complex process. "There are many reasons, never just one. It is a moment when each dancer must consider their physical and emotional well-being. Sometimes, one feels that one needs it and you yourself say: 'No, this is what I need now.'"

Her dedication to teaching is a legacy that she will continue, ensuring that her passion for dance endures in future generations. "I want to continue offering the knowledge I have acquired throughout my career, and to whoever I can help, help them sincerely."

It is curious that one could cross paths with Sadaise Arencibia on the street and not guess that she is a prima ballerina. She goes through the world with that simplicity that only the great have, those who do not need to boast of their greatness, since their art speaks for them, because she belongs to a generation where there were no social networks, and knowing the history of your predecessors was a reverence to your company.

Today, while new stars are formed under her attentive gaze, the public that once cheered her as a princess finally understands that true queens never leave. They only change roles. And Sadaise, with that grace that characterizes her, proves it every day.