At the end of March, we were delighted to host the first In Conversations event of the season — an open-dialogue format that invites world-renowned dance professionals and experts to share their insights with our community of supporters, dance professionals, and anyone passionate about the art of movement. 

We were truly honoured to welcome Loipa Araujo into our space. A living legend in the ballet world, Loipa is not only a distinguished performer but also a revered teacher whose influence spans generations of dancers. 

She took us deep into the heart of Cuban ballet, sharing her wisdom on its distinctive training methods and the power of cultural authenticity. Fernando Alonso, a celebrated Cuban ballet dancer and co-founder of the Cuban National Ballet, played a pivotal role in shaping this unique approach. As she beautifully put it: 

“What is very important for me is that he [Fernando Alonso] never wanted to imitate any school… we were not imitating a Russian school, we were not imitating an Italian school or a French school, we were just being Cubans… we just have to be ourselves.”

This powerful reflection set the tone for the event, where Loipa unpacked the essence of Cuban technique — one shaped by folklore, musicality, and deeply rooted cultural expression. Attendees explored how Cuban rhythms influence the physicality of movement, and how the nation’s unique identity is embodied through its ballet tradition. 

Beyond technical training, Loipa emphasised the importance of emotional motivation and character development in performance: 

“I’m not talking only about classical ballet. Even the most modern piece has to have a motivation — of movement, of dynamic, of approach.”

Her words resonated deeply with our guests, sparking conversations about the nature of artistry, self-expression, and how dancers evolve beyond steps to become storytellers on stage. Loipa’s voice, vision, and presence left an indelible mark on our community, reminding us of the power of dance to celebrate identity and push the boundaries of tradition. 

This inspiring evening with Loipa Araujo marks only the beginning of our In Conversations series. We look forward to welcoming more exceptional voices in the coming months. 

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