Related videos:
The stage of the Ballet Nacional de Cuba, once a symbol of the island's cultural pride, is increasingly empty. Young artists trained at the prestigious school founded by Alicia Alonso are packing their bags and leaving for abroad, driven by the economic crisis and the desire for a dignified future for themselves and their families.
“It’s not because of the National Ballet of Cuba, but because of what happens outside of it… what makes you realize that you need a better future for yourself and your family,” confessed dancer Carolina Rodríguez, 21, to The New York Times, who left the company last year to join the Norwegian National Ballet in Oslo.
Rodríguez recalls that in Havana he survived on a salary of just 14 dollars a month, while rehearsing in stuffy venues, amid blackouts and a shortage of pointe shoes stuck in customs.
Today, he earns 3,200 euros a month, money that allows him to help his family in Cuba and enjoy luxuries that were unimaginable on the island, like inviting his parents and grandparents out to dinner at a restaurant. “It was something I wanted to do for a long time,” he said excitedly.
Rodríguez's case is not isolated. Narciso Medina, 26 years old, also left the company in 2022 and is now dancing with BalletMet in Ohio, United States.
"In Cuba, the things we consider a luxury are normal here, like having internet 24/7 or eating chocolate", he said to the American newspaper.
Although he dreams of returning, he acknowledges that this would only be possible if the island's politics and economy improve. “If those things change, I will return. But I don’t believe they will change,” he stated.
An exodus that reflects the country’s crisis
The exodus of dancers is not new, but it has intensified in recent years. Since the 1960s, groups of artists have defected during international tours. However, the current scale reflects the depth of the Cuban crisis: skyrocketing inflation, daily power outages lasting up to 10 hours, empty supermarkets, and a plummeting tourism industry that has even forced the government to request assistance from the World Food Programme.
The National Ballet of Cuba, which once had over 100 dancers, now barely reaches 55. This number brings the company back to its original size, when it was still striving to establish itself on the international scene.
For many, the decision to leave is not about artistic ambitions, but rather about survival. “The dancers who remain are caught between survival and art,” summarized Eduardo Vilaro, director of Ballet Hispánico in New York, as quoted by The New York Times.
Between glory and sacrifice
Ballet has been an emblem of the Cuban revolution for decades, a cultural showcase that displayed discipline, beauty, and talent to the world. However, behind the spotlight, precarity has gained ground.
Young people like Rodríguez and Medina grew up dreaming of shining in the company founded by Alicia Alonso; today, that same dream drives them to seek refuge on foreign stages where dance guarantees them not only art but also a dignified life.
"I decided that I wanted to support them and I didn't want to be a burden to them", Rodríguez said about his family, explaining the main reason for his departure.
The exodus of dancers adds to that of doctors, musicians, athletes, and thousands of Cubans who have left the island in recent years. It reflects a country that is bleeding not only talent but also hope.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Exodus of Cuban Dancers
Why are Cuban dancers leaving the country?
Cuban dancers are leaving the country primarily due to the economic crisis and the pursuit of a dignified future for themselves and their families. On the island, they face low wages, constant blackouts, and a lack of basic resources, which drives them to seek job opportunities abroad where they can significantly improve their quality of life.
What are the difficulties faced by dancers in Cuba?
In Cuba, dancers face extremely low salaries, difficult working conditions such as rehearsing in stuffy venues, constant blackouts, and shortages of basic resources like ballet shoes. Furthermore, the arts in Cuba are viewed by many as a profession without economic future, which further complicates the job stability for these artists.
How have the lives of Cuban dancers who emigrate improved?
Cuban dancers who emigrate often experience a significant improvement in their quality of life. For example, Carolina Rodríguez, who now dances with the Norwegian National Ballet, went from earning 14 dollars a month in Cuba to 3,200 euros a month in Norway, allowing her to financially support her family in Cuba and enjoy previously unimaginable comforts.
What impact does this exodus have on the National Ballet of Cuba?
The exodus of dancers has significantly reduced the size of the National Ballet of Cuba, which now has only 55 dancers, a figure that returns the company to its original size from decades ago. This phenomenon reflects the depth of the crisis facing the country and affects the company's ability to maintain its international prestige.
Filed under: