Vientiane, April 30, 2025. The Cuban Embassy and friends in this capital extend their congratulations to Viengsay Valdes, prima ballerina and general director of the Cuban National Ballet, for receiving the 2025 National Dance Award.
From her early years at the Alejo Carpentier Elementary Ballet School, her career took off in 1993, when she won the Gold Medal at Vignale Danza, Italy, and the Grand Prix de Ballet at the Cuban Writers and Artists Union youth competition. These achievements catapulted her onto the international stage and were just the beginning of a series of accolades that would cement her name in ballet history.
In 1994, she graduated with a Gold Title and joined the prestigious Cuban National Ballet (BNC). Her talent led her to be promoted to Principal Dancer in 1996 and to First Dancer in 2001.
Throughout her career, she has been honored with three high distinctions from the Cuban Ministry of Culture and has made her mark in the Book of Honor of the Alicia Alonso Grand Theater of Havana for her memorable performances.
With a career spanning more than three decades, Viengsay Valdés has been not only an exceptional dancer, inheriting the artistic legacy of Alicia and Fernando Alonso. Viengsay's repertoire is vast and diverse, ranging from romantic ballet classics to contemporary works by both Cuban and international choreographers. Her artistry has shone on stages in Europe, Asia, the Americas, and Africa, where she has represented the BNC at Star Galas and Festivals.
The Cuban Embassy and friends of Laos are also honored to have Viengsay Valdés as vice president of the Cuba-Laos Friendship Association and to work to promote solidarity and close ties between the two peoples. For this reason, she was also awarded the Friendship Medal in November 2024, during the celebration of the 50 aniversary celebration of diplomatic relations of both nations.
Embassy of Cuba