Dancer Alberto Alonso dead at 90

GAINESVILLE, Fla., Jan. 8 (UPI) -- Cuban-born dancer and choreographer Alberto Alonso has died of heart failure at his home in Gainesville, Fla., at the age of 90.

Alonso had been a Gainesville resident since he was granted political asylum in the United States 15 years ago, The New York Times reported.

He was master artist in residence at Gainesville's Santa Fe Community College and resident choreographer for the Dance Theater of Santa Fe.

Alonso began his ballet training at the Pro-Arte music school in Havana, but his big break came in 1935 when he danced with Col. W. de Basil's Ballets Russes in Monte Carlo.

After touring the globe with the company, Alonso went home to Cuba in 1940 and started his career as a choreographer.

Nearly a decade later, Alonso, along with his brother, Fernando Alonso, and sister-in-law, Alicia Alonso, established the National Ballet of Cuba, the Times said.

Alonso, who was previously married to Ballets Russes dancer Alexandra Denisova and Cuban dancer Elena del Cueto, is survived by his wife of 44 years, dancer and actress Sonia Calero; a son, Alberto Jr.; his daughters Victoria Alonso Saccenti and Maria Elena Alonso-Sierra; his brother Fernando; and three grandsons.