Xiomara Reyes: A Life in Dance
The year was 1973. In the heart of Havana, Cuba, a tiny ballerina was taking her first tentative steps on the wooden floor of the National Ballet School. Her name was Xiomara Reyes, and her journey was about to begin. This story is not just about a ballerina, it’s about a girl, a woman, a life that intertwined with the beautiful, intricate world of dance.
Growing up in Cuba was an experience steeped in vibrant energy. From the bustling streets to the rich history of its people, every day felt like a colourful ballet. My family was modest, but the joy we found in simple pleasures, like dancing to the rhythms of salsa at a neighbourhood festival, filled our days. Music, and dance, they were the air we breathed.
When I turned five, my mother enrolled me at the National Ballet School. From the moment I stepped inside the building, its grandeur, the smell of worn wooden floors and the soft whisper of tutues and silk, I was enthralled. The school, like a fairytale castle, was a haven, a sanctuary of discipline and artistry. It became my second home, a place where my imagination could flourish and my passion for dance could ignite.
Those early years were demanding. The rigorous training required focus, strength and determination. The relentless hours of practice honed my body and sharpened my mind, etching deep within me the values of discipline and perseverance. As the years went by, my love for dance deepened, its magic seeping into every part of me. From the precision of classical techniques to the lyrical fluidity of modern movements, every step, every turn, became a prayer, a dedication to this art form that held my soul captive.
My first significant performance came at the tender age of twelve. It was a role in "Giselle," a classic ballet that still inspires and challenges me to this day. Stepping onto the stage felt like entering a different world, a world of light and shadow, of emotions expressed through movement and gestures. The thunderous applause at the end left me exhilarated, my heart pulsating with the rhythm of my performance.
But my path to becoming a ballerina wasn’t paved with roses. Like any aspiring dancer, I faced many obstacles. The daily grind of pushing myself physically and mentally was hard. The competition for coveted roles, the fear of failure – these challenges pushed me to my limits, but they also made me stronger. In these struggles, I discovered a resilience I never knew I possessed, a spirit fuelled by my unwavering passion.
In my late teens, the Cuban Ballet National became a pivotal stage in my journey. As I performed across the country and internationally, my reputation began to blossom. Each performance, each new ballet I danced, brought a sense of fulfillment, a recognition that my hard work was bearing fruit.
However, my life, like the dance itself, had a twist. I always felt drawn to exploring other choreographic styles beyond the confines of classical ballet. I craved new narratives, different emotions to convey. I spent years honing my skill in contemporary and modern dance, expanding my artistic repertoire and testing the boundaries of my creativity.
This search for new expression led me to pursue my dream – a move to the bustling heart of London. The vibrant energy of this cosmopolitan city embraced me like a warm hug. London, with its endless array of artistic avenues and its rich history of theatrical tradition, offered me an incredible opportunity to grow and to explore my creative potential.
Embracing the London Dance Scene
Upon arriving in London, I was immediately drawn to the dynamic dance scene, the buzz of independent companies, the countless opportunities for dancers like myself. It was here I found myself dancing in numerous shows at The Place, a well-respected performance space known for nurturing artistic talent.
My time at The Place allowed me to work with various choreographers, each with their unique style and vision. From the lyrical and expressive pieces of Michael Keegan-Dolan to the dynamic and inventive choreography of Akram Khan, each collaboration broadened my horizons, pushed me further into uncharted territory.
However, my journey in London wasn't without its hurdles. As a young, ambitious ballerina navigating a foreign city, I encountered prejudice. I was reminded time and again that my heritage was different, that my accent didn’t fit in with the London social landscape. But my determination burned brightly. I wouldn’t let anything, not prejudice, not cultural differences, stand between me and my dream.
The Turning Point: A Dance Project that Touched the Soul
My pivotal breakthrough in London arrived in the form of a unique opportunity – a project with a newly formed dance company, “Voices of the City.” This project aimed to highlight the stories and struggles of individuals from diverse backgrounds living in London.
My role in the production was central. It was a chance to share my own story, to weave my Cuban heritage into the tapestry of this poignant and timely production. In a solo dance piece, I delved into the themes of migration, identity, and the relentless pursuit of dreams in a new country.
The response from audiences was overwhelming. They felt my story. The emotion in my dance resonated deeply. The connection between performer and audience was electric, a potent cocktail of raw emotion and breathtaking movement. For me, this moment marked the beginning of a new chapter, a recognition of my artistic potential and a powerful affirmation of my personal identity.
My Journey Beyond Dance: A Passion for Writing
Even as I continued to perform, my life outside of dance was becoming increasingly vibrant. A newfound passion for writing had taken hold, as I felt an intense desire to tell my story, to give voice to experiences, both personal and universal, that moved and inspired me. In the evenings, after rehearsals and performances, I’d immerse myself in the world of words, my fingertips dancing on the keyboard, transforming the swirling thoughts in my mind onto the screen.
My first book, "Dancing on Two Continents," a memoir chronicling my journey from Havana to London, was published in 2023. It wasn’t just a memoir of my life; it was a tribute to the beauty of dance and a reflection on the power of dreams, persistence and embracing different cultures.
As a dancer and an author, I realised that creativity knows no boundaries. My artistic expression, previously confined to the stage, was expanding, transforming into a new art form. My experiences as a ballerina in two vastly different cultures had shaped me. They provided me with a unique perspective and fuelled my determination to amplify marginalized voices and tell stories that matter.
From Havana to London: A Tapestry of Dreams, Identity and Passion
Today, at the cusp of my twenties, I am brimming with ambition. The future, like an unopened dance routine, awaits with both excitement and trepidation. As I look back at my journey from the bustling streets of Havana to the bustling theatre stages of London, I realise that dance has become an integral part of my identity. It is a language that transcends borders, a conduit for emotion that resonates with all humanity.
In my life, I’ve learnt that true artistry comes not only from graceful leaps and perfect turns but also from courageously embracing the complexities of life and sharing the stories that lie at the heart of it all. And so, my journey continues, driven by a desire to use dance and writing as vehicles to illuminate, to inspire and to connect on a deeper level, one story, one ballet at a time.