Santiago Alfonso and his more than 60 years in culture

September 12, 2019

"From Yesterday and Today", of culture, of music and dance, of talent and heart, and much more, were featured in the presentations of the Santiago Alfonso Dance and Spectacle Experimentation Group, which during the past weekend was hosted by the Mella Theater in this capital, in celebration of the 80th birthday of maestro Santiago Alfonso and the 15th anniversary of the founding of the company he directs.

The evening's exhibition included representative works that highlight and distinguish Cuban identity and flavor. It was a tribute to the 500th anniversary of Havana, with classic themes such as "El cuarto de Tula", "Chan Chan", "La Habana quiere guarachar", "Conga Pello el Afrokán", and others with more contemporary choreographies that allude to eroticism such as "Trío de Jazz", "Dúo Atracción" and "Barco negrero".

Special guests of the evening were members of the National Circus of Cuba, who among acrobatics and juggling, showed how these two artistic manifestations come together, circus art and dance, to win over the entire audience. Also important was the tribute to the Barbarian of Rhythm, Benny Moré, with the song "Oh vida", a choreography performed by young graduates of the National School of Art.

The stage of the Mella theater was adorned with the choreographies of Santiago Alfonso Fernández, artistic director, dancer, professor and choreographer of vast experience, National Prize for Dance in 2006 and director par excellence of the internationally recognized Tropicana Cabaret Show.