The award, established by the National Union of Artists and Writers of Cuba (UNEAC) in 2008 as the highest recognition for emblematic figures in world dance, thus distinguishes a supreme exponent of ballet, “perhaps the most extraordinary ballerina of our time,” declared critic Ahmed Pineiro.

Just a few days ago, the artist, decorated with the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire by King Charles III, gave two memorable performances of the classic Don Quixote in Havana.

Alongside the National Ballet of Cuba (BNC) and Cuban dancer Patricio Reve, a guest artist with the Royal Ballet in London and also a principal dancer with the Queensland Ballet (Australia), Nunez exuded charm, vibrant chemistry with her partner, and sublime technical mastery.

Pineiro rememered the Argentine dancer’s career and ties to Cuban ballet, asserting, “Her homeland is, in reality, dance, because for Marianela, ballet has always been more than just her profession; it’s a calling.”

The BNC specialist also highlighted how she was promoted to the coveted artistic rank of prima ballerina at only 20 years old, with her dream company: The Royal Ballet in the United Kingdom.

Furthermore, he compared the Argentine dancer’s artistry to that of Cuban prima ballerina assoluta Alicia Alonso, noting that “as with Alonso’s dancing, in Marianela’s, technique is subordinate to expression, and virtuosity to dramatic truth.”

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