Director of the National Ballet of Cuba, the prima ballerina assoluta Alicia Alonso, came back to Cuba after being honored by the American Ballet Theater (ABT) of which she was a founder in 1940 and where she made a lasting impression.

The celebration marked Alicia's 90th birthday in a special program performed by American Ballet Theater.

The crucial moment of the homage was a gala at the Metropolitan �"pera House in New York, crammed with an audience that gave her a standing ovation when spotlights lighted up the central box where she was seated.

Audience gave Alicia another rousing ovation when she was on the stage where she won great glory since the night of November 2, 1943, when substituting Alicia Markova in Giselle.

Director of the Dance Museum Pedro Simón said the ovation was amazing when she appeared on the stage arm in arm with the Director of American Ballet Theatre Kevin McKenzie to thank the audience.

"It was a splendid night, one of those experiences a human being can never forget", said Alicia in exclusive statements to Prensa Latina via telephone.

Before leaving New York, Alicia met students of a annexed school to the American Ballet Theatre with who she talked with in a colloquial and fluent English on the dancer's ethic and the principles that support the artistic work.

The Royal Ballet at London Covent Garden will also pay tribute to the prima ballerina assoluta. Alicia will also mark her 90th birthday with several international tributes in Seville, Andalusia and Naples and finally in Cuba.