The National Ballet of Cuba (BNC) offered the second of its performances in tribute to British choreographer Ben Stevenson, who received thunderous applause from the audience after concluding the first performance.

Havana, June 12 (RHC)-- The National Ballet of Cuba (BNC) offered the second of its performances in tribute to British choreographer Ben Stevenson, who received thunderous applause from the audience after concluding the first performance.

"All roads lead to Ben," said the director of the dance ensemble, Viengsay Valdés, and expressed her gratitude for having him on the island to share his wisdom with the dancers and allow the Cuban audience to appreciate his work.

To celebrate is to honor, praise, applaud and thank. That is why we say thank you Stevenson for your works and teachings, enthusiasm and dedication. Thank you for continuing to contribute to dance," said Valdés and offered him a bow.

For his part, Her Majesty's Ambassador to the Republic of Cuba, Sir George Hollingbery KCMG, praised the creativity and talent of the Officer of the Order of the British Empire, the work of the BNC and thanked the Ministry of Culture, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Cuban government.

Several works by the prestigious creator debuted on the stage of the National Theater of Cuba in tribute to Queen Elizabeth II, on the occasion of the Platinum Jubilee for the 70th anniversary of her monarchy and the 120th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries.

The current artistic director of the Texas Ballet Teather premiered on the island The Steeds of the Queen and the Mozart Requiem, the latter donated to the BNC, the only group that has the staging outside his company.

Foreign performers Valentín Batista and Henry Winn were part of the cast conceived for the program, which also included the version of Esmeralda pas de deux and Tres Preludios.

The dance performances were accompanied by the voices of the National Lyric Theater Choir and the Alicia Alonso Symphony Orchestra of the Grand Theater of Havana, which provided the seal of excellence to the show.

The National Ballet of Cuba's tribute to Ben Stevenson will continue this weekend and will return on June 17, 18 and 19 at the usual times of the cultural center.