A local dancer who spent his childhood sitting in the front row at the ballet, crying. He wished to dance, but he was fat. The opportunity never arose yet he religiously watched, studied, idolised the ballet and all that dance was about.

One day his opportunity came – someone took pity on him, if only so as to prevent this young fat boy from sitting, sobbing, in the front row – and he was on the stage. But he did not follow the plan of a simple movement across the stage, and Juan made his presence known…. He dances, he teaches, he has brought together a group of fat dancers and choreographs them, nurtures them, makes them smile…together they light up the stage.

I have only seen them practise for a mere half a song, that of Swan Lake – one of his infamous renditions. But the power and energy exuded from the group touched my soul. I’m in Havana.