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Discussion #2: Cuban Ballet and Political Expression- Sabby

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  Ballet holds a special place in my life, having grown up immersed in and adoring the art form. Although I left the world of dance behind many years ago, I continue to appreciate and enjoy watching ballet in my free time. From my early years, I was aware of Russia's reputation for producing some of the world's best dancers, with the Vaganova Academy known for its harsh yet highly technical training. For many, disciplines like ballet, along with other arts such as ice skating and gymnastics, served as a means of escaping the USSR for individuals, and this trend continues in contemporary Russia. Historically speaking, ballet in Soviet Russia was also used as a political tool to help form and influence public/cultural opinions of the state.  For this module, I was particularly drawn to learning about Carlos Acosta and Cuban ballet. Socialist states, including Cuba under the Communist Party's leadership, have a history of investing in the education and training of artists alon...
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Discussion #1: History of Cuba Precursor to Castro- Sabby

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Prior to this course, most of my understanding of Cuba's history was synonymous with casual comments in conversations about Castro's rule, how traveling to Cuba was illegal for Americans, and a case study regarding McKinley's decision to send the U.S.S. Maine to Cuba. It wasn't until these readings and brief newsreels that I was able to understand a little more of the nuance in Cuba's history, particularly with the involvement of the U.S. and the colonial influence of Spain. Cuba's role as the "crown jewel" of the Spanish empire in the Americas was mainly due to its geographical location, acting as a vital stopping point between Spain and the Americas, as well as a hub for the transatlantic slave trade (of which Spain was a major player). Additionally, Cuba, with its fertile soil, played a crucial role in growing crops. After the collapse of Haiti as a major sugar producer, Cuba quickly filled the void and met the demand for sugar. Leading up to the Cu...
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Bucket List

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      There are quite an assortment of interesting places in Cuba. Many have important cultural, political, or social connections and are certainly worth a visit. Here are a few places on my bucket list for the trip:     Jose Marti Monument: a place with highly relevant and interesting political social and cultural relevance to the Cuban people. It is a place with the same national importance as say the Lincoln Memorial in our country. I feel it would give an interesting perspective into the Cuban Revolution and their fight for freedom from various spheres of influence, and for this reason, I would like to visit.     Fusterlandia: a neighborhood consumed by surrealist art. The entire neighborhood has color and has been renovated in this style, bringing a unique vibe to the environment that I am unlikely to experience outside Cuba. This place is very culturally relevant as it allows direct insight into Cuban artistic expression, something I would like t...
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Muraleando

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 Muraleando is a community art installation on the outskirts of Havanna. It was formerly a garbage dump, but beginning in 2001 artists have renovated the area and dubbed it the "Muraleando Community Art Project. Not only is there much creative art to see here, but professional artist volunteer their time to educate the youth about the arts from dancing to painting.     The project was started at the beginning of the Special Period, a 10-year-long economic recession in the 1990s when the Soviet Union collapsed and Cuba's economy began to experience serious problems. Industries collapsed and experienced radical change. On average, Cubans lost 20 pounds per person. The average person was experiencing dire and desperate economic circumstances, and for most goods there was not enough to go around. Muraleando grew as a way for Cubans to express this group's trauma through artistic expression and cope with their unavoidable circumstances.     Founded in a poor neighbor...
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Discussion 4: Where I'd Like To Visit

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  The three places that I would like to visit in Cuba are Fusterlandia, the Wilfredo Lam Art Center, and the Jose Martí Monument. the reason why I want to visit Fusterlandia is because it looks cool. I like being able to walk around and just look at art that was done with some amount of passion. that's also why I like visiting the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City. that's also the main reason why I  also want to visit the Wilfredo Lam Art Center. I am hoping that they have some of his art up on display because while watching the videos I found his art to be pretty cool. I like the African mask paintings the most and I'm hoping to buy either a copy or something that is inspired by it in Cuba. I want to visit the Jose Marti Monument due to its cultural significance to Cuba. I also am interested in the history of Cuba and being able to be somewhere where a legitimate Monument was put off someone will be very cool. In other words, I want to be in the country where the...
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Discussion 4: Grand Theater of Havana

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  Address: 458 P.º de Martí, La Habana 10600, Cuba Capacity: 1,500 (García Lorca Auditorium) Opened: 1915 Phone: +53 7 8613077 Entrance fee: 120 Pesos Hours:  Friday 8:30–10 PM Saturday 8:30–10 PM Sunday Open 24 hours Monday 8:30–10 PM Tuesday Closed Wednesday Closed Thursday Closed The Grand Theater of Havana was designed by the Belgian architect Paul Belau and built by Purdy and Henderson, Engineers in 1914 at the site of the former Teatro Tacón. it is also home to the Cuban National Ballet. the construction was paid for by Gallatin immigrants of Havana to act as a community social center.  the facility has multiple theaters, a concert hall, a video screening room, a conference room, a coral center, an art gallery, and rehearsal halls. Every two years it also hosts the International Ballet Festival of Havana.  The building is very large and it looks amazing both day and night. it is very easy to find and observe shows at the theater. many types of s...
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Places I'd Like To Visit

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  The first place I would like to visit is Ernest Hemingway's house. Primarily I would like to visit his old residence because I am curious to see how he lived and what his daily life was like.  The second place I am looking to visit is Fusterlandia. The crazy array of colors present in the neighborhood looks astonishing, and I am very curious to see what the inhabitants of the neighborhood think of the art. The third and final place I am going to visit is El Capitolio. I am very curious to see the Cuban government so there is no better place to go than the state capital. Along with this I am eager to see what the architecture of the capital is like first hand.
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Places I'd like to visit: 1. Valle de Viñales     This is a UNESCO World Heritage site and looks absolutely gorgeous in pictures. 2. Fusterlandia     This neighborhood is incredibly unique and has crazy artwork around every corner. 3. Finca Vigía     I learned all about Hemmingway in high school and I'm intrigued to see where the author spent much of his life.
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