In the heart of Havana stands a sanctuary of grace and discipline—the Escuela Nacional Cubana de Ballet. With nearly 3,000 students, it is not only the largest ballet school in the world but also one of Cuba’s proudest cultural treasures. This institution is more than a school; it is a living legacy, shaped by generations of dedication and artistry.
On March 29, 2019, I had the profound honor of stepping into the heart of Cuban ballet and meeting one of its most cherished icons—Ramona de Sáa. Her presence alone was a masterclass in grace, strength, and humility.
Ramona was much more than a director or teacher. She was a visionary. In 1962, alongside Fernando Alonso, she helped establish the National School of Arts, laying the foundation for generations of Cuban artists. By 1965, she had taken the helm of the National Ballet School, where she would guide, shape, and inspire thousands of dancers over the decades. In 1977, her influence deepened when she was appointed as a National Adviser with the Arts Teaching Division—now known as the National Arts Schools Center (CNEART).
Until her passing in April 2024, Ramona served as the school’s director, pouring her soul into its mission. But her legacy is not just measured in titles or accolades—it lives in the dancers she mentored, the culture she preserved, and the love she gave freely.
When she welcomed us that day, it was with open arms and a gleam in her eyes that reflected a lifetime devoted to ballet and to Cuba. That moment remains etched in my memory—not just as a meeting, but as a blessing. Ramona de Sáa gave her life to the arts, and in doing so, she gave herself to her country and the world.
The respect she commanded was tangible. It echoed in the silence of the rehearsal halls, danced in the movements of the students, and smiled back at her from every face. The walls of the school seemed to breathe with history—if only they could speak, the stories they’d tell would be breathtaking.
This is a place where passion meets precision, and where young dancers, many of whom will join the internationally acclaimed Cuban National Ballet, are shaped into world-class artists. Some go on to join companies abroad, carrying a piece of Cuba with them onto global stages.
That day, a two students graciously volunteered to model for us. As I peered through my lens, I witnessed something extraordinary—not just poise and posture, but an unspoken story of sacrifice, repetition, and an unyielding drive to rise above limits. In those frames, I may have captured the early moments of a future prima ballerina.
To witness the spirit of Cuban culture expressed so powerfully through ballet was a gift. It reminded me that art is not just performance—it is identity, history, and hope, danced in rhythm with the soul of a nation.
Subscribe below and get my daily (okay, most days—let’s not get crazy) post delivered straight to your inbox. Like magic. But with fewer rabbits. 🐇✉️
Browse my complete art portfolio and shop prints at imagesbygacioe.shop
Leave a Reply