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The renowned American choreographer Vincent Paterson, who has worked with stars such as Michael Jackson and Madonna, is currently in Cuba as a special guest of the Ballet Beyond Borders (BBB) festival, an event that celebrates dance and cultural diversity in Havana until next Saturday.
In this context, Paterson gave a master class on the iconic music video "Thriller" this Tuesday and surprised the local audience by dancing salsa during an impromptu meeting, reported Swissinfo.
At 74 years old and with a distinguished career in the entertainment industry, Paterson shared his enthusiasm for being on the island.
"I am very happy to be in Cuba and I am very curious to see the dancers," he expressed during a press conference.
Although he was not the creator of the choreography for "Thriller," he participated as the assistant to the main choreographer and as one of the iconic zombies in the video released in 1982.
His class in Havana allowed Cuban dance students to immerse themselves in the movements that revolutionized the history of pop.
In addition to the training session, the choreographer led a vibrant flash mob in the streets of Old Havana alongside local young dancers, reinterpreting moves from “Thriller.”
The day concluded with a salsa improvisation, where Paterson expressed his admiration for Cuban rhythms and his ability to adapt to the local culture.
The BBB festival, which brings together artists from various disciplines, was the perfect setting for this cultural connection, stated the news portal Swissinfo.
According to Cubadebate, Havana once again becomes the epicenter of international dance with the second edition of Ballet Beyond Borders (BBB), an event that brings together artists from over 20 countries in a space for cultural exchange and learning.
Starting this Tuesday and until January 11, the festival will feature masterclasses, competitions, and galas in iconic venues of the capital, such as the National Theater and the headquarters of Lizt Alfonso Dance Cuba.
In this edition, nearly 150 international artists from countries such as the United States, Italy, South Africa, Pakistan, and Romania join 162 Cuban participants of all ages and backgrounds.
Among the highlighted activities is the Dance Challenge, featuring categories that range from classical ballet to contemporary dances, hip hop, and flamenco.
For the first time, the festival will also expand beyond the capital with a special gala at the Tomás Terry Theater in Cienfuegos, scheduled for January 13.
The festival, described by its founder Charlene Carey as a “delicious cultural menu,” aims not only to celebrate dance but also to provide hope and resilience through art.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Ballet Beyond Borders Festival in Cuba
Who is Vincent Paterson and what is his connection to Cuba?
Vincent Paterson is a renowned American choreographer who has worked with stars like Michael Jackson and Madonna. In Cuba, he participates as a special guest at the Ballet Beyond Borders festival, where he taught a masterclass on the music video "Thriller" and took part in a flash mob and a salsa improvisation in Havana.
What is the Ballet Beyond Borders festival and what is its purpose in Cuba?
The Ballet Beyond Borders festival is an event that celebrates dance and cultural diversity, bringing together artists from over 20 countries. Its purpose in Cuba is to promote cultural exchange and learning, with activities that include masterclasses, competitions, and galas in iconic venues in Havana.
What activities stand out at Ballet Beyond Borders in Havana?
Among the prominent activities at the Ballet Beyond Borders festival is the Dance Challenge, which includes categories ranging from classical ballet to contemporary dance, hip hop, and flamenco. For the first time, the festival will also extend outside the capital with a special gala at the Teatro Tomás Terry in Cienfuegos.
What was Vincent Paterson's role in the music video "Thriller"?
Although Vincent Paterson was not the creator of the choreography for "Thriller," he participated as the assistant to the main choreographer and as one of the iconic zombies in the video released in 1982. His experience in this project was shared with Cuban dance students during his master class in Havana.
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