Interview: Cuba's dance troupe to bring Latin-American heat to Chinese audience

A prominent Cuban dance troupe is to premiere in Beijing next week, to bring authentic Cuban rhythm to the Chinese audience as part of the gala events to mark the year of the 2016 China-Latin America cultural exchange.

"It's an honor for us to represent our nation and once again dance for the Chinese people. Beijing is one of the few cities in China that we have not performed in and we are delighted to participate in this cultural exchange," Lizt Alfonso, general director of Lizt Alfonso Dance Cuba, told Xinhua in a recent interview.

Despite geographical distance and cultural differences, the Cuban dance troupe has captivated millions around the world and the performance in Beijing will be a special moment for the group's 25-year history.

"The public in China has always welcome us with love and joy and appreciated our shows. Unquestionably, for them, it is something very different from their culture," said Alfonso.

Founded in 1991, Lizt Alfonso Dance Cuba has found its unique way to represent the Cuban dance rhythm, mixing ballet, flamenco, cha-cha, rumba, conga, bolero and salsa.

In 2015, it became Cuba's first ever dance group to perform at the Latin Grammy Awards.

"We are a mix or fusion of classical ballet dance, contemporary dance, Cuban folk and Afro-Cuban dances and flamenco," said Alfonso.

According to Alfonso, the troupe has prepared a varied program, including part of the "Cuba Vibra" show which rocked Broadway last year and other pieces of their traditional repertoire, for the performance at the Tianqiao Theater in Beijing.

The success of the troupe partially lies in the discipline and hard work the dancers have and the experience obtained in the last quarter century, said Alfonso.

"There isn't a key to success, we simply have to work hard and focus on the future to have new goals and reach greater results," she added.

Every time the troupe performs abroad, people do not express gratitude to Lizt Alfonso but rather think of Cuba, the dancer-choreographer told Xinhua.

The troupe, which is headquartered in the historical center of Havana, also teaches boys and girls from an early age.

"Today, 95 percent of our company is composed of dancers that have been trained in our academy. It's something we always dream of and it shows the results of our work throughout the years," said the Cuban dancer. Endi