Cuban ballet defectors appear in Miami, seek U.S. careers
- 10 years ago
This is the second major defection of Cuban ballet dancers in the United States in just over a year.
At a press conference in Miami six dancers from the famous National Ballet of Cuba said they'd considered defecting for some time.
. (SOUNDBITE) (Spanish) DANCER CARLOS IGNACIO PONCE SAYING:
"I was thinking of the future above all. How it would be to live here. This is a country of many opportunities, which isn't how it is in Cuba. No, just thinking about the future and helping my family. That is the most important."
Aged between 21 and 24, the dancers had been performing in Puerto Rico before abandoning the tour on Sunday and flying to Miami.
A seventh dancer also defected but stayed in Puerto Rico.
(SOUNDBITE) (Spanish) DANCER YAIMA MENDEZ RIVERO SAYING:
"I decided to take the big step when the opportunity arose. Then my uncle went in February for my birthday and we planned everything without any problem. And the company went to Puerto Rico on
At a press conference in Miami six dancers from the famous National Ballet of Cuba said they'd considered defecting for some time.
. (SOUNDBITE) (Spanish) DANCER CARLOS IGNACIO PONCE SAYING:
"I was thinking of the future above all. How it would be to live here. This is a country of many opportunities, which isn't how it is in Cuba. No, just thinking about the future and helping my family. That is the most important."
Aged between 21 and 24, the dancers had been performing in Puerto Rico before abandoning the tour on Sunday and flying to Miami.
A seventh dancer also defected but stayed in Puerto Rico.
(SOUNDBITE) (Spanish) DANCER YAIMA MENDEZ RIVERO SAYING:
"I decided to take the big step when the opportunity arose. Then my uncle went in February for my birthday and we planned everything without any problem. And the company went to Puerto Rico on