“Dance is not an exercise. Dance is an art.” Alicia Alonso, Cuban prima ballerina

And that’s exactly what the rarely traveled Cuban National Ballet Company created when they commanded center stage at the Conjunto Santander Theatre in Guadalajara. The illustrious company was founded by the living legend, Alicia Alonso, the Cuban prima ballerina assoluta (a rare honor). The large troupe danced the classic “Giselle” as we sat mesmerized throughout its duration.

“Giselle,” a romantic ballet in two acts, is considered a masterwork in the world of classical ballet. First performed in Paris in 1841, the ghost-filled (the Wilis) ballet tells the tragic, romantic story of a beautiful, young peasant girl who falls for the flirtations of the deceitful and disguised nobleman, Albrecht. When the ruse is revealed, the fragile Giselle dies of heartbreak and Albrecht must face the otherworldly consequences of his careless seduction.

The Cuban Ballet Company dancers are known worldwide for the strong athleticism and technical prowess they bring to every performance. The two leads entered to ecstatic applause and proceeded to captivate the audience. “Giselle” is an extremely difficult ballet to dance for any prima ballerina as she glides diagonally from one end of the stage to the other en pointe. It’s an amazing feat to watch. It literally stops the show and she must acknowledge the thunderous applause before continuing on.

This was done not once, but multiple times; holding continuous sequence “of double pirouettes on one leg and the final diagonal set of pirouettes/chaine turns.” The principal male dancer and the male corps of ballet’s astounding “grand jeté” jumps would easily qualify them for air miles!

From beginning to end it was a flawless, breathtaking performance with its glorious musical score, elegant staging and precise movements. The audience bolted from their seats in roaring applause at the curtain calls. It made me proud to see my country of birth share their artistry with the world, but prouder to be standing on my feet and screaming ​Bravo!​ and wildly applauding. Ms. Alonso (soon to turn 99 yrs. old) said it right, “Dance is an art” and we were privileged to experience it at its finest. A most memorable evening en México.

Luckily for us we got to share the experience with our friends, Kathleen (former ballet dancer and ​muchas gracias​ for all your ballet terms contributed here) and her husband, John. Prior to the ballet we dined at ​I Latina​, a Mexican-Asian fusion restaurant, top rated in Guadalajara for the past 20 years … and it certainly lived up to expectations. Tasty dish after dish was perfectly seasoned and quickly devoured. We sat out on a colorful and simple patio, but not before walking by an unusual high bar wall filled with pig figurines. A torrential rainstorm suddenly pounded onto the overhead metal roof adding to the atmosphere. Return visits are a must to eat our way through the eclectic menu.

​Mi Padrino​ and aunt arrived for a week’s visit, but we’re taking it slow with them … walking the Tianguis market to purchase vegetables, bread and cheeses … at my fishmonger’s and finding two beautiful fresh red snappers that were turned into fillets, then breaded and fried … strolling the scenic promenade of Chapala’s Malecón.

The Mercado off the plaza in Jocotepec town provided a stop at my favorite frijoles lady and to stock up the pantry with her plethora of local beans. A new discovery was a purple-hued bean called ​Flor de Junio​; can’t wait to figure out how to season and cook it properly.

My aunt and uncle both enjoy relaxing on the terrace, watching and listening to the Lakeside world go by. Our hummingbird feeder is entertainment in itself. Padrino, at 80 plus years, has been affected by the high altitude, so he’s short of breath after just a few steps, limiting our activities.

The week started and ended with La Danza … classical ballet on Sunday and a fiery Flamenco show on Saturday.

​On the Menu…..​Thai spring rolls (with peanut sauce to drown in), Tropical Tacos (with a jicama shell), buttery soft Octopus dusted with Spanish paprika, creamy Seafood Chowder, succulent pork chops, a vegetarian sandwich.