We were so fortunate to visit The Cuban National Ballet School (Escuela Nacional Cubana de Ballet) which has approximately 3,000 students and is the biggest ballet school in the world and certainly the most prestigious ballet school in Cuba. It is directed by Ramona de Sáa. And, here's the kicker....Like all the Cuban educational systems, the education of the ballet in the country is free.
You enter this beautiful building, with its many staircases, (no such thing as elevators...you have to be prepared!) and we come to one of the beginner classes. Young students of perhaps 7-10. In addition to studying ballet, they also have a full course of regular schooling as well.
Not easy taking pictures of 'moving objects'!
Their teacher is very demanding and strict.
The school originally held only 900 students but it was Fidel Castro who, in a visit to the school, suggested the idea of new studio space and, after several proposals, it came to be. Thousands apply but a committee chooses only a handful of promising students many who go on to belong to the National Ballet of Cuba and tour worldwide.
We then moved up the stairs to watch older students practice.
When the children break from the classes they meet up in the hallway and wait for instructions for their next class or lunch.
Ballet wasn't the only craft we saw. On a different day, we got a first-hand look at how Cuban boxers train in an open-air setting. You enter this little out of nowhere spot....There are few boxing rings that are more unique than the Rafael Trejo gym in Old Havana. It is sandwiched between deteriorating apartment buildings.
The public ring is named after a Cuban law student who was killed while leading protests against the Machado presidency in the 1930's
It is home to some of Cubas elite athletes, as well as a training ground for young champions to be.
Their trainer is also well known. And, yes...the girls and the guys spar together. Whether you are an old-timer or a novice, everyone trains together.
From 1968-2000, Cuban boxers, many with links to Rafael Trejo, won more Olympic medals than any other country.
and....... I'm still watching out for the stray furries :)
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