cubanmiamiboy Posted January 29, 2017 Share Posted January 29, 2017 (edited) 70's, 80's and 90's Havana favorite ballerina Marta Garcia has died. http://cultura.elpais.com/cultura/2017/01/29/actualidad/1485686997_458100.html Garcia was a consummated technician, but more than that, a superb dramatic ballerina who was able to move large audiences with her histrionic skills. She was always extremely gifted in characterization, and became famous interpreting those roles which required great demand of facial expressions. She was a truly master of the face as a vehicle and used this skill with no shyness at all to enhance her always thrilling performances. Garcia was also a master in those ballets which required some Spanish flavour. She was particularly superb in the Cuban version of Lorca’s Bodas de Sangre-(Blood Wedding), which became her trademark . Another ballet that she shined in was Alberto Mendez’ “Tarde en la Siesta” (see link above, on second post), a romantic homage to XIX Century Cuban female society, to the unique music of Ernesto Lecuona. This wonderful ballet at times pays homage to the great Antony Tudor, and it’s has been a trademark of the Cuban Company for many years. Garcia created the role of Soledad-(Loneliness), which describes the tormented soul of the woman. It is hence fitting to report that Mr.Tudor was seen standing after a performance of Marta’s Soledad clapping feverishly, to which he then made the coment:. "What a wonderful "HAGAR" Marta Garcia would have been” . I had the opportunity to see a lot of her dancing well into the 90's. Her Giselle was ravishing...her Mme Taglioni in Grand Pas de Quatre...exquisite. Garcia gave me many wonderful moments on enjoyment during my formative years of ballet viewing. RIP Mrs Marta Garcia. As Giselle-(she pas past 40 here) Pas Seul and Mad Scene-(hers has been THE mad scene I have always used in my mind to compare all the rest i have seen ever since. It was magnificent) As Swannilda, with hubby Orlando Salgado. As Lissette-(Fille Mal Gardee, after Nijinska for BT/Hertel) Edited January 29, 2017 by cubanmiamiboy Link to comment
cubanmiamiboy Posted January 29, 2017 Author Share Posted January 29, 2017 As Soledad, Puerto Rico 1979, @ 9:35) As Mme. Taglioni. Grand Pas de Quatre. Bodas de Sangre-(Bood's Weddings) Link to comment
Drew Posted January 30, 2017 Share Posted January 30, 2017 What sad news. When the Ballet Nacional de Cuba came to D.C. -- I think for the first time -- she was a huge favorite with many of us. I remember especially loving her Swanilda; my memories of Blood Wedding unfortunately are vaguer, but I know I admired her hugely in any and every role I got to see her dance. I also have a memory-image of some extraordinarily centered turns that would certainly compete with any of today's master 'turners.' A wonderful ballerina--may she rest in peace. Link to comment
Natalia Posted February 11, 2017 Share Posted February 11, 2017 So sorry to now be seeing this, Christian. She was an incomparable Soledad (Tarde en la Siesta) in Puerto Rico on that fateful 1979 tour when I fell in love with ballet! Marta Garcia played a big role in my transformation. May she rest in peace! Link to comment
cubanmiamiboy Posted February 11, 2017 Author Share Posted February 11, 2017 Thanks Drew and Natasha for your wonderful recollections. Garcia was very loved by the Cuban audience, and she was indeed a turner like almost anybody I have seen-(just look at the clips of Giselle or Tarde en la Siesta). She lost her battle with cancer too soon. May she RIP. Link to comment
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