April 19, 2006

Early in his career, Rolando Sarabia’s explosive performance style garnered comparisons to Nijinsky and Baryshnikov. This summer, audiences in Jackson, Miss., will have the opportunity to see what the buzz is about as Rolando, gold medal winner at the 1998 USA International Ballet Competition, performs at the opening ceremonies of the eighth USA IBC. In an interesting twist, Rolando’s brother, Daniel Sarabia, has been selected as a competitor for 2006, giving him the opportunity to follow in his brother’s footsteps. USA IBC audiences will be able to witness both brothers in performance June 17 – July 2 at Thalia Mara Hall.

“We are delighted to have both Rolando and Daniel performing on the IBC stage this year,” said Sue Lobrano, executive director of the USA IBC. “Rolando already has a reputation as a star performer, and we are all eager to see Daniel realize his potential. Audiences are in for a real treat this year!”

Rolando entered the world of ballet in 1990 as a student at the Alejo Carpentier Elementary Ballet School in Havana, Cuba. He finished his studies in 1998 at the National Ballet School of Havana and in 1999, joined the Ballet Nacional de Cuba, where he was quickly promoted to principal dancer. His repertoire includes leading roles from the classical tradition as well as contemporary works by Cuban and foreign choreographers. In addition to his USA IBC medal, Rolando won the Grand Prix at the International Encounter of Academies, Cuba (1995 and 1998); the Grand Prix at the 1998 International Ballet Competition in Varna, Bulgaria; and the Grand Prix at the 1998 International Ballet Competition in Paris.

Since arriving in the United States in 2005, Rolando has appeared as a guest dancer in the International Ballet Festival of Miami and in two 2006 performances with the Cuban Classical Ballet in Miami. He is currently being coached by Magalay Suarez at the Art of Classical Ballet in Pompano Beach, Florida.

Like his brother, Daniel Sarabia also began his dance career with training at the Alejo Carpentier School with Elena Cala and Margarita De Za. In 1998, he enrolled at the National Ballet School in Havana and studied with Ana Julia. As a student, Daniel performed the pas de deux from Diana and Acteon and the role of Basilio in Don Quixote. He joined the Ballet Nacional de Cuba in 2002, and his repertoire there included the Jester in Swan Lake, Alaine in La Fille mal gardée, and the pas de deux from Coppélia, among other roles. Daniel has received several awards, including a gold medal at the International Ballet Competition in Cuba in 1997 and a silver medal at the New York International Ballet Competition in 2005. Also in 2005, Daniel performed the role of Basilio as a guest artist with the Ballet Concierto de Puerto Rico. Daniel is currently a member of the corps de ballet with Boston Ballet. This summer, he will vie for medals, cash awards and company contracts at the USA IBC, competing with more than 100 dancers from around the globe.