Dancer’s plan to restore crumbling Cuban ballet school raises architectural-ethical conundrum

Dancer’s plan to restore crumbling Cuban ballet school raises architectural-ethical conundrum
By Associated Press,
Updated: Saturday, November 3, 1:13 AM

HAVANA — In a country where money is perennially tight, it might seem a fantastic gift: A celebrity ballet star pledges to raise millions of dollars to rescue the ruins of an architectural masterpiece abandoned in mid-construction five decades ago in his native Cuba.

Instead, Carlos Acosta’s plan to inject life into the island’s hidebound ballet scene by refurbishing Havana’s crumbling dance school and turning it into an international center for culture and dance has ignited controversy for daring to reimagine the original architect’s vision.

Acosta, who was in Havana this past week for meetings with Culture Ministry officials and to raise awareness about the project, was visibly frustrated by the flap over what he views as a way to give something back as he prepares to retire from London’s Royal Ballet after a celebrated career.

“I don’t need flowers anymore. ... I came from nowhere and I have so much,” Acosta, 39, told The Associated Press on the grounds of the ballet school Friday.

More:
http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/the_americas/dancers-plan-to-restore-crumbling-cuban-ballet-school-raises-architectural-ethical-conundrum/2012/11/03/9110b338-257d-11e2-92f8-7f9c4daf276a_story.html

[center]








Carlos Acosta.[/center]