Yaday Ponce
Born in Matanzas, Cuba, Yaday Ponce trained at the Vocational Art School “Alfonso Perez Isaac” and the National School of Dance in Havana. She graduated as a dancer and teacher specialising in modern and folkloric dance before joining the Contemporary Dance of Cuba. There she became first dancer and ballet mistress. She received her degree in dance focusing on contemporary dance from the University of Arts. Ponce has participated in many festivals: Movements, Festwochen der Autostadt in Wolfsburg in Germany, Festival of New Dance and Balance in Italy, Festival Szeged in Hungary, II Dance Biennial of Venice, Dance Biennial in Martinique and the International Ballet Festival of Havana.
Her professional repertoire includes works by Narciso Medina, Roberto Blanco, Jan Linkens, Lidice Nunez, Juan Kruz Diaz de Garaio, Pedro Ruiz, Carlos Acosta, Samir Akika, George Cespedes, Mats Ek and Rafael Bonachela. She has also been part of the jury examining modern technique at the National School of Art and vocational art schools across Cuba. Her awards include: the Ramiro Guerra Award for feminine interpretation of the Hermanos Saiz Association (2011); Recognition for her invaluable contribution to Contemporary Dance of Cuba (2010); Recognition of the Hermanos Saiz Association (2010); Moon Award for the staging of Carmina Burana (Mexico, 2008); Lukas Prize, Latin UK Awards, for best production on UK stages.
In 2016 Ponce joined Acosta Danza as a teacher and rehearsal director. During this time she has assisted with teaching Carmen with the Texas Ballet and the Queensland Ballet.
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