PEOPLE CubaAbsolutely Print Edition 2008

DÉBORAH ANDOLLO
Yemaya’s Daughter
Text by Eva Torres - Photographs courtesy of Déborah Andollo

Déborah Andollo broke 15 world free-diving records over a period of nine years, reaching depths of over 100 meters under the ocean surface. Here the unassuming champion talks about her record setting and current projects In the warm seas that surround Cuba, which border some of the most spectacular beaches in the world, Déborah Andollo used to toss seven coins into the waters before plunging into its depths…

ROBERTO GOTTARDI'S
National art school paradise lost?
Text by Eva Torres

Gottardi arrived in Cuba in 1961 as one of three architects who set out to build the best arts school in the world. Forty-seven years later Gottardi is still in Cuba. He recently resumed work to complete his iconic building.

Post-Revolution Cuba has never had a more controversial building project than the National Art School (ENA). Begun in 1961, it remains unfinished. That is in part due to an unresolved argument over its aesthetic principals, as well as a shortage of materials and economic restrictions. Its most enthusiastic supporters uphold the design as a symbol of bravado and experimentalism. Its detractors dismiss it as artistically random, devoid of real meaning, even elitist.

ALICIA ALONSO
The grand dame of Cuba
Text by Stephen Gibbs - Photographs by Sven Creutzmann

To enter Alicia’s Alonso’s office is to visit an inner sanctum. She works in a small room, tucked away behind the unassuming headquarters of the Cuban National Ballet, on Calzada Street in Vedado. Outside, gaggles of young ballerinas gather. Inside, an army of efficient secretaries protect her from the uninvited.

The room itself is dark, and Spartan. The shutters are drawn. There is little furnishing apart from a single bookshelf and a large mahogany desk. Behind it sits the woman who has been the face of Cuban Ballet for almost seven decades.

RAMON SILVERIO AND HIS BEAUTIFUL MEJUNJE
El Mejunje turns expectations of sun, salsa and Tropicana dancing on their heads
Text by Sue Herrod - Photographs by Adalberto Roque

Tucked away on a small side street in the centre of Santa Clara, four hours drive from Havana, El Mejunje is a unique community centre which has inspired both locals and visitors alike with its progressive and passionate embrace of alternative arts & culture.

ISABEL BUSTOS
Dancing with bits and pieces
Text by Eva Torres

he Chilean-born spitfire that is Isabel Bustos has created a modern dance troop, Retazos,in her own image. Daring, imaginative, and creative it pushes the boundaries in its search for new ways of presenting dance. The dancers may not have the classic dance background or the physique of other Cuban dance groups but Isabel has certainly inspired something within them.

HAVANA'S MOST ARTISTIC BARBER
Gilberto Valladares (Papito)
Text by Herman Valerius

Loquacious—as are all good barbers—Papito speaks at the same speed and enthusiasm as his hands handle the scissors. However, his conversation is not the usual stuff of barbers. Papito talks of his projects: his most recent find in the shape of a rare or valuable piece for a future hairdressing museum, or a new addition to his art collection, To the Last Hair. It’s therefore hardly surprising to find seated in Papito´s salon a popular TV announcer determined to change her look or a renowned Cuban art curator waiting for a traditional and sober haircut.