The 20th International Ballet Academies Encounter will pay homage to Cuban Ballet School founder, maestro Fernando Alonso, from April 12 through 26, with the attendance of more than 500 ballet students from 14 countries.

Cuba and Mexico stand out for the number of participants they are set to bring to Cuba, while Argentina and the United States are this year's newcomers. Other countries sending delegations include Brazil, Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, Guatemala, Italy, Peru, the Dominican Republic, South Africa and Venezuela.

A dance critics workshop, master lectures on the Methodology of the Cuban Ballet School, physical Training, character dance, composition, choreographic and children’s theater classes are on the event’s agenda. The International Ballet Students Competition will run parallel to the cultural gathering in which children will compete for the first time.

The International Ballet Academies Encounter, organized by the National Arts Schools Center and the Cuban National Ballet School, will award the first 16 ballet students from all categories and awards such as Revelation, Grand Prix, Best Pas de Deux and Best Performance, among other prizes.

Fine arts will also be on hand for the Encounter with two exhibitions  at the Cuban Ballet School headquarters and at the lobby of the National Theater, showcasing different views of dance in paintings, sculptures and photos.