Ballet critic and author Octavio Roca explores an astonishing
cultural phenomenon. On the international scene, in the world of
Ballet, eyes are turning to the Cuban-trained dancer. Octavio
Roca's CUBAN BALLET unfolds this phenomenon through an intimate and
historical perspective. The story is iconic in measure and packed
with the stuff of classical Legend - zealous determination, courage
and hope, sacrifice and survival. The book is an almost
action/adventure - like none other - composed within the context of
inevitable and fast-approaching change in Cuba's leadership. In his
role as a critic, Mr. Roca has seen the glory performances of an
amazing roster of internationally renowned Cuban ballet stars. He
understands the depths and complexities of their noble commitment
to Dance and rejoices in their personal, artistic, and cultural
triumphs. His text is lyrical and linear; the arguments are rich
and provoking. Fifty years of on-going defections by Alonso's
pupils adds up to an amazing legacy, a unique historical quest for
personal and artistic freedom. The dramatic elements include the
loss of family, friends, and country, along with the cloak and
dagger energies of escape, political asylum, institutional shunning
and nationalistic memory-wipes by the Cuban regime.--Sean
Martinfield"San Francisco Sentinel" (11/01/2009)
Dance is all about balance, so there is a certain beauty in the
fact that Octavio Roca's new book, Cuban Ballet, opens with
forewords written by the founder of the Cuban National Ballet,
Alicia Alonso, a supporter of Fidel Castro, and by Mikhail
Baryshnikov, the most famous anti-communist Soviet defector in the
world. The book is a labor of love. --David Adams"Hispanic-Poder
Magazine" (11/01/2009)
His erudition, good eye for detail and capacity for emotional
response now are on display in his new book, Cuban Ballet. I can't
imagine anyone giving a more knowledgeable, personal and candid
appraisal and historical overview of the topic. --Renate
Stendhal"Scene 4 Magazine" (11/01/2009)
Octavio Roca is a philosopher by training, journalist by accident
and writer by birth. A tale well-told, by a man who wields words
with impeccable authority. CUBAN BALLET is a tale well-told by a
man who wields words with impeccable authority.--Hirania
Luzardo"AOL Latino" (11/01/2009)
A blazing, sizzling book.--Siempre Mujer (11/01/2009)
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