Memoirs of a Russian ballet master at Saturday Book Fair in Cuba

In a captivating new memoir, the acclaimed choreographer and brother of legendary ballerina Maya Plisetskaya offers a profound glimpse into the 20th-century art world and the luminaries of Russian ballet. His narrative weaves through a life deeply connected to dance, particularly in Cuba, where he left an indelible mark. In 1963, under a cultural agreement between the Soviet Union and Cuba, he was appointed as the principal partner of Alicia Alonso at the National Ballet of Cuba, a role he held for eight of his ten years in the country. During this transformative period, he not only performed but also taught at the Havana Ballet Academy, honing his craft as a choreographer. His creative genius gave birth to iconic ballets such as *La Avanzada* (1964), *Primer Concierto* (1971), and his magnum opus, *Canto Vital* (1973). These works remain staples of the Cuban repertoire and have been embraced by ballet companies worldwide, cementing his legacy as a pivotal figure in the global dance community.