LatinaLista — Dance is an art form that is without borders and needs no translation. For those who pursue it professionally, dance is much more than the body moving to music — it’s another form of speech, just without words.
For those dancers who live in regions with oppressive governments or in restrictive conditions, dance is one form of escaping their environment. Yet, there is one ballet performer in Cuba who doesn’t want to go anywhere but advance further in his career — for good reason. At 21 years of age, he is achieving professional feats that have the world of ballet taking notice.
Osiel Gounod has only belonged to Ballet Nacional de Cuba (Cuban National Ballet) for four short years. Already the young man has garnered attention for his artistic style and dance prowess. He was named a principal male dancer, the youngest male performer to achieve such a distinction.
In a year where the world-renown ballet company is celebrating its 65th anniversary, it’s safe to assume that more of the world will learn about this young man.
In the featured interview, the first of two parts, the young dancer sits down with a reporter from CCTV and shares what it’s like to achieve his dream.
