CARLOS ALVARADO
Project: Cuba, Ballet, Art, Dreams

Present time unique Cuba:  Many of us have an idea or we have heard about life, politics, and the situation in Cuba, not many people have gone into Cuba and talked to us from the inside. Carlos Alvarado, takes us into this island and peels away the layers to show us a side of Cuba that it's about Ballerinas, the world renown Cuban ballet and the the arts in Cuba. Cuba has been producing the top ballerinas in the world for over 65 years and most people are not aware of this fact, these images are a small window into a Cuba rarely seen or talked about. Set humbly against the stunning streets and old architecture of Cuba. Focusing on the Cuban Ballet and the strong, diverse art world of the beautiful island Carlos Alvarado intimately delves into the lives of many young, aspiring ballerinas striving to pursue their dreams. This is a project of dreams, hope, dedication, strength, and passion. Which is what these artists fight for daily.

For the past 15 years Alvarado has dedicated his career to capturing the ballet in Cuba through photography and film. Through developing relationships and friendships, he has been allowed a very personal experience with Cuba and its amazing artists. Like most people, Alvarado had common expectations prior to his first visit to the island. But what he saw on that first trip, engaged and inspired him, and set his life in motion to capture and share the beauty he witnessed in the people, the culture and most important to him, the artists, but especially the wonderful and ethereal ballerinas and their daily dedication for greatness.  

Through his works with the Cuban ballet, Alvarado is always welcomed and embraced by the art community of Cuba, and has had many collective exhibits with world renowned artists in Cuba and all over the world. Cuba and it's people have supported Alvarado, because his works are about art and artists, they are about the real Cuba, they are about dreams and fighting every day to accomplish those dreams. Alvarado's goal is to be able to share with the world a glimpse into a Cuba far too rarely seen. He is opening a window to the Cuba he knows, admires and loves. The only way to know the real Cuba, is to go there and see it.