Defected Cuban dancer arrives in Miami

Defected Cuban dancer arrives in Miami
Posted: Jul 10, 2014 4:49 AM RDT
Updated: Jul 10, 2014 4:49 AM RDT

Exiled dancer, Jaime Reytor, arrived at Miami International Airport on
Wednesday. Reytor is one of the eight dancers who were seeking asylum in
Puerto Rico at the end of the tour with the National Ballet of Cuba.

The last time the group saw each other was on a stage in Cuba. "It was
always my dream to be here in the United States," said Reytor.

In June, Reytor traveled with the National Ballet of Cuba to perform in
Puerto Rico and never went back home. "I was afraid to call my mom and
say, 'Mom I'm leaving the country,'" said Reytor.

The 23-year-old dancer did not call home until he defected safely to the
United States. "She was worried about what's happening to me here cuz I
don't have family here, no one," he said.

Pedro Pablo Peña invited Reytor to join the Cuban Classical Ballet of
Miami. "Most of these dancers have not been given the opportunities
within the ranks of the National Ballet of Cuba," said assistant
director of Cuban Classical Ballet of Miami, Daniel Tourrenze.

Reytor will be in familiar company. Last month, Peña welcomed seven
other defected dancers from Cuba.

Reytor's first opportunity will be in a few weeks when he'll dance on an
American stage for the first time. "I needed to take the risk for
improving my life because in Cuba there is no opportunity and here is
the country of the opportunities," said Reytor.

Reytor will debut his upcoming performance at the demand of the public
of the Cuban Classical Ballet of Miami, with the program "Greatest
Selections of the Russian Ballet" on July 27 at 5 p.m. at the Miami-Dade
County Auditorium.

Source: Defected Cuban dancer arrives in Miami - WSVN-TV - 7NEWS Miami
Ft. Lauderdale News, Weather, Deco -
http://www.wsvn.com/story/25982142/defected-cuban-dancer-arrives-in-miami