Born: 1920 (Havana, Cuba)
Died: 2019 (Havana, Cuba)
Alicia Alonso (born Alicia Ernestina de la Caridad del Cobre Martínez del Hoyo; 21 December 1920 17 October 2019) was a Cuban prima ballerina assoluta and choreographer whose company became the Ballet Nacional de Cuba in 1955. She is best known for her portrayals of Giselle and the ballet version of Carmen. From the age of nineteen, Alonso was afflicted with an eye condition and became partially blind. Her partners always had to be in the exact place she expected them to be, and she used lights in different parts of the stage to guide herself.
Alicia Alonso was born on the outskirts of Havana in 1920, the fourth child of Antonio Martínez Arredondo, lieutenant veterinarian of the army, and Ernestina del Hoyo y Lugo, a dressmaker. She began dancing as a child and, in June 1931, at the age of eleven, she started studying ballet at Sociedad Pro-Arte Musical in Havana with Nikolai Yavorsky. Just six months later, on 29 December 1931, Alonso performed publicly for the first time, showcasing her talent and passion for ballet at an incredibly young age.
Her first breakthrough came when she debuted in Tchaikovsky’s Sleeping Beauty at the Teatro Auditorium on 26 October 1932, impressing audiences with her grace and technique.[10] In her early career in Cuba, she danced under the name of Alicia Martínez. However, her progress in her ballet lessons came to a brief halt in 1937 when she fell in love with a fellow ballet student, Fernando Alonso, whom she married at the age of sixteen.[11] The couple moved to New York City, hoping to jumpstart their professional careers.
In New York, Alicia Alonso gave birth to her daughter, Laura, in 1938, but she never let motherhood hinder her pursuit of ballet excellence. She continued her training at the School of American Ballet, determined to perfect her craft and make a name for herself in the competitive world of professional ballet. In 1938, she made her debut in the United States, performing in the musical comedies Great Lady and Stars In Your Eyes.[12] Despite facing personal and career challenges, Alonso persistently pursued her passion for ballet.
However, her journey was not without obstacles. Alicia Alonso’s vision problems began to worsen over time, leading her to seek medical attention in 1941. She was diagnosed with a detached retina and underwent surgery to correct the issue. Following the operation, she was instructed to have three months of bed rest for her eyes to heal completely. Despite being unable to comply fully, Alonso used her feet as a means of practice, pointing and stretching to keep her skills alive. Unfortunately, the first surgery was not entirely successful, and she underwent a second procedure.
Doctors concluded that Alicia Alonso would never regain her peripheral vision, a devastating blow to a dancer who relied heavily on visual cues and spatial awareness. However, Alonso’s determination and resilience were unwavering. She consented to a third surgery in Havana, this time requiring a full year of bed rest to aid in her recovery. Throughout this challenging period, her husband, Fernando Alonso, supported her unwaveringly. Together, they used their fingers to teach Alicia the intricate dance movements and roles of classical ballet, allowing her to engage with her passion even while being physically unable to dance. She danced in her mind, illuminated only by her unwavering spirit.
Despite her partial blindness, Alicia Alonso continued to dance and create iconic works of art. She made her mark as one of the greatest ballerinas of her time, mesmerizing audiences with her emotive performances and technical prowess. Her perseverance and dedication to her craft propelled her to become a leading figure in the world of ballet.
Throughout her illustrious career, Alicia Alonso received numerous awards and recognition for her contributions to the art of ballet. Some of her notable accolades include the National Dance Award (Cuba, 1976), the Grand Cross of the Order of Isabel la Católica (Spain, 1990), the Prima Ballerina Assoluta title (Cuba, 1995), the Medal of the Order of Australia (Australia, 1995), and the Orden pour le Mérite for Sciences and Arts (Germany, 1996). These prestigious honors speak volumes about her impact on the world of dance and her lasting legacy.
Alicia Alonso’s influence extended beyond her outstanding performances and remarkable technique. As the founder of the Ballet Nacional de Cuba, she played a pivotal role in shaping the Cuban ballet tradition and nurturing the talents of countless dancers. Her dedication to her craft and her ability to overcome adversity inspired aspiring ballerinas from all corners of the globe, standing as a symbol of resilience and determination.
Alicia Alonso’s contribution to ballet and her impact on women’s history cannot be overstated. Her groundbreaking achievements as a dancer, choreographer, and founder of a renowned ballet company continue to resonate with generations of artists. Her unwavering commitment to her art, paired with her ability to transcend physical limitations, solidified her place as a true icon of dance and an emblem of women’s empowerment.
Alicia Alonso’s enduring legacy will forever inspire future generations to strive for greatness, even in the face of adversity. Her remarkable journey serves as a testament to the power of passion, perseverance, and unwavering dedication to one’s craft.