Cuba’s top ballerina takes reins amid crumbling theatres and talent exodus

Viengsay Valdes, 44, has the tough task of renewing the Cuban National Ballet's reputation as country finds itself in crisis

Cuba's favourite ballerina, Viengsay Valdes, will run on to the stage of the island's National Theatre on 2 November, fairly certain it won't collapse beneath her.

Reprising the role of Giselle she first performed 25 years ago, she can't use Havana's more glamorous auditorium, the rococo Gran Teatro de la Habana Alicia Alonso, because that is being devoured by woodworm.