Cuban Dancer

Cuban Dancer

Alexis is a 15 year old talented and proud student of the National Ballet School of Cuba. He spends his life practicing chassé and entrechats with his girlfriend and dance partner Yelenia. However, when his parents move to Florida to be reunited with his sister, his happy teenage world is turned upside down. He’s forced to leave behind Cuba, his colleagues at school, his relatives, and his beloved girlfriend.

Facing rejection and homesickness for his native Cuba, Alexis feels lost and alone. When he gets accepted in the prestigious Harid Ballet school he has to start all over. He doesn’t speak the language, has no friends and his Cuban style of ballet does not match the American school method. Meanwhile, his parents are making sacrifices for his career working extra hours at their humble jobs. Alexis knows that he has to find his way quickly in the bourgeois and elitist world of American ballet while trying to remain faithful to his roots.

Awards and Nominations

Nevada City Film Festival 2021, Best Musical Score, Winner

San Francisco International Film Festival 2021, Best Documentary Feature, Winner (Audience Award)

São Paulo International Film Festival 2021, New Directors Competition, Best Film, Nominee

Director

Roberto Salinas

Languages

English (French Subtitles)

Film Details

2020, 94 min
Canada, Italy, Chile