The Cuban Method

Rochester native Youri Spindler 

Rochester native Youri Spindler Credit: Mikey Jarrell and Demian Spindler

 

How does Cuba, in spite of its limited resources, produce so many ballet superstars?

In 2016, Rochester-based filmmakers Mikey Jarrell and Demian Spindler traveled to Cuba to film three American dancers, including Rochester's own Youri Spindler, who went to Havana to train under ballet royalty. The Cuban Method airs Sunday, September 26 at 7 p.m. on WXXI-TV.

Given ballet’s French roots, it comes as no surprise that many great ballet dancers come from Europe. However, few would suspect that just as many come from Havana. How does Cuba, in spite of its limited resources, produce so many ballet superstars?