BOOK REVIEW: Dancer experiences revolution in 'Cuba'
By Sarah Peterson Michigan Daily (U. Michigan) 04/20/2004
(U-WIRE) ANN ARBOR, Mich. -- To most dancers, practicing without a mirror is inconceivable. "A dancer has no way of examining her work except in a mirror because she herself is her own medium and instrument," explains Alma Guillermoprieto in her book "Dancing with Cuba: A Memoir of the Revolution." This was just one of the obstacles that Guillermoprieto encountered in her months in Cuba -- the months that would shape her political conscience. "Dancing with Cuba" is Alma Guillermoprieto's first-person narrative of her journey to Cuba and how it deeply affected her way of thinking. The story begins in New York City with the author, having come to the states from Mexico to dance, trying to make a living as a modern dancer. Jumping from the studios of Martha Graham to those of Merce Cunningham and also to those of Twyla Tharp, the reader is introduced to the intricacies of the NYC dancing scene.
Guillermoprieto's dreams of being a principal in a modern dance company are shattered when one of her teachers suggests that she take a teaching job in Cuba, but after deciding to take the job, Guillermoprieto's journey really begins.
At first, the ways and ideals of the Cuban people seem foreign to Guillermoprieto. At the age of 21, she had never really thought about issues beyond her own dancing, let alone those of a revolution. The fact that there are no mirrors in the dancing studios seems barbaric, not patriotic. The feelings of the school where she is teaching and of the people around her almost drive her home, but the children -- her students -- keep her coming to class.
Throughout her months in Cuba, Guillermoprieto's ideas about the revolution and about politics in general shift and come into focus. She comes to understand and appreciate the experiences of living through a revolution.
"Dancing with Cuba" is a beautifully written account of one woman's experience with revolution. It is an easy read, as the author's voice reverberates in her words, revealing the powerful emotions and intense passion that make up this dancer. Even though the events are real, the narrative reads like a novel. The lyrical prose of the story perfectly accents the dancing -- the catalyst for the author's self-realization -- and the honesty of the language is refreshing. "Dancing with Cuba" is definitely a story for anyone who enjoys dance, but it is also a touching narrative that anyone who has ever experienced a major life change can relate to.
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Dancer experiences revolution in 'Cuba'
