Viengsay Valdes to Premiere Russian Version of Spartacus in Panama

Cuban National Ballet (BNC) Prima Ballerina, Viengsay Valdes, described as a premiere her performance here along with her compatriot Osniel Gouneo, with whom she will dance for the first time the Russian version of Spartacus.

In an interview with Prensa Latina, Valdes said that this second edition of the Panama Ballet Festival gave her the opportunity to meet again with Gouneo, who was her partner in Cuba and with whom she has danced in international events.

She commented that after her arrival in Panama, they made a couple of very intense rehearsals, because 'I learned the Cuban version, it was only to agree on coordination, so I hope everything will come out well.'

Valdes made it clear that she previously had the opportunity to dance the version of Spartacus made for the BNC and the one by the Cuban dancer Lienz Chang, which she danced with him in Portugal, although the Russian version is the best known and most universal.

After several years of absence in Panama, this will not be the only piece Valdes will dance along with Gouneo, as the program also includes the pas de deux of Don Quixote.

Valdes said that after her return to Cuba on Sunday, she will dance Cinderella with Dani Hernandez at the Alicia Alonso Grand Theater of Havana, as part of the summer gala.

This is the third time Valdes visits Panama. Her previous performance was during the Stars of the 21st Century gala, which brought together artists from around the world.

World-renowned dancers from Cuba, Portugal, the United States, Russia and other nations, as well as young talents, will perform at the Anayansi Theater on Saturday.