Pretoria, 1 August 2026. — The Embassy of the Republic of Cuba in South Africa enthusiastically celebrates the successful special performance by Cuban dancers Greisell Lastre, Joan Manuel Riera and Ariel Mejica, who showcased the extraordinary standard of the Cuban ballet school at an event held in Pretoria.
The Cuban artists shared the stage with leading local performers and other international guests, demonstrating once again the enduring relevance and prestige of Cuban artistic training in the disciplines of classical and contemporary dance. The performance was met with warm applause from the South African audience, who were able to appreciate the technique, expressiveness and sensitivity that characterise dancers trained in Cuba.
We would like to highlight that this performance forms part of a wider tour, which includes the 13th South African International Ballet Competition to be held in Cape Town. This event provides a valuable platform for cultural exchange and for promoting Cuban art on the African continent.
The Cuban Embassy wishes them every success and thanks Professor Dirk Badenhorst for his invaluable support.
(Cuban Embassy in South Africa)