Royal Ballet Of London Performs In Cuba

HAVANA, CUBA - JULY 18: Dancers of the Royal Ballet relaxes prior to the performance of "Manon" at the Karl Marx theatre on July 18, 2009, in Havana, Cuba. Acosta and other dancers went to see the crowd that had watched the performance on a public screen. With its first visit to Cuba, the Royal Ballet of London also marks the first visit by an international dance company to the communist island in over 30 years. Performing five times between July 14-18, 2009 at the Gran Teatro and Karl Marx theatre, the company, who brought 96 dancers to Havana, performed both classical and avant-garde productions like "Chroma", some of which the likes have never been seen on a Cuban stage. The company also made a tribute to Alicia Alonso and include dancers from the Cuban National Ballet. The week's final performance was Kenneth Macmillan's dramatic rendition of "Manon." Thousands of those who could not get tickets were able to follow the performances projected live on gigantic TV screens from the steps of Havana's El Capitolio. (Photo by Sven Creutzmann/Getty Images)