Beginning this week hundreds and possibly even thousands of Cubans will have the opportunity to see world-class dancers from The Royal Ballet, Great Britain's largest and most prestigious ballet company, as they perform in Cuba's two most iconic theaters, the Gran Teatro de la Habana, Sala Garcia Lorca and the Karl Marx Teatro.
The historic cultural exchange for the ballet company began weeks ago, as Crowley personnel put the transportation details together to get the eight 40-foot containers from Washington, D.C.'s Kennedy Center to Port Everglades, Fla. On July 6, they were loaded aboard Crowley's container ship, the Elb Carrier, for their one-day journey to Cuba. The eight containers carried a variety of items for the ballet performances, including costumes, stage equipment, sets, scenery and props.
Geoff Wheel, technical director for The Royal Ballet, said "We really couldn't have done the Cuban part of the tour without Crowley's license to ship directly between the U.S. and Cuba, let alone their expertise. Our schedule just wouldn't allow it. It's been really fast and efficient and it's made all the difference to have them as part of the team."
The Royal Ballet has performances scheduled in Cuba from July 14 to July 18. The much-anticipated shows will also be broadcast live on two big screens in the Havana's city center, where people who cannot attend the concert can watch four of the performances for free. The Royal Ballet will be performing a mixed program featuring Chroma, Divertissements and A Month in the Country and Kenneth MacMillan's Manon.
Crowley is authorized to ship licensed cargo to Cuba. Currently, Crowley sails to Havana, Cuba from Port Everglades and Jacksonville, Fla. as an alternate port every week. Eligible commodities for export to Cuba are detailed under Section 902(1) of the Trade Sanctions Reform and Export Enhancement Act of 2000.
(www.crowley.com)