Ana Lobé graduated from the National School of Ballet of Cuba in her native La Habana, both as a dancer and a teacher.  Her studies included: Classical Ballet, Character Dance, Music, Piano, French, Dance History, and Afro-Cuban Folklore.  She joined Ballet National de Cuba in 1982 under the direction of the legendary Alicia Alonso and rose through the ranks from Corps de Ballet, to Soloist, to Principal Dancer. There she appeared in a vast repertoire of classical works including: Swan Lake, Giselle, Coppelia, Don Quixote, The Sleeping Beauty, Les Sylphides, Grand Pas de Quatre and Paquita, as well as contemporary works set by both Cuban and foreign choreographers. She toured with Ballet National de Cuba extensively on all continents. She was equally featured in all the International Ballet Festivals in La Habana, Cuba, from 1982-1990.

Ms. Lobé placed as a finalist at international competitions, including Varna (Bulgaria 1988) and International Ballet Competition Jackson, Mississippi (USA 1990). Also, Ms. Lobé was part of the International Ballet Competition documentary, created by PBS in Jackson, Mississippi in 1990. After the competition, Ivan Nagy invited her to join the English National Ballet as a Principal Ballerina. Among her favorite performances, Ms. Lobé remembers fondly the galas honoring the late Alicia Markovaand, the Company’s then-patron, Princess Diana. Ms. Lobe’s partners have included: Oliver Muñoz, Kwang Suk Choi, Ramon Thielen, José Carreño, and Lazaro Carreño, among others. After having been invited to dance at several galas in the United States, Ms. Lobé joined Mississippi Ballet. It was there that new ballets, such as Luc de Lairesse’s “Otros Tangos” were created especially for her, and she was partnered by the late American Legend: Premier Danseur Noble, Fernando Bujones in Paquita.

Choreographer and Artistic Director Dennis Nahat brought Ms. Lobé to Cleveland San Jose Ballet in 1994, where she extended her already existing classical repertoire by productions of  Romeo and Juliet, The Nutcracker, El Toreador, Coppelia, Swan Lake, Apollo, Who Cares?, Theme & Variation, Raymonda and Carmen, the masterpiece from French Choreographer, Roland Petit, which Nahat brought specially for her. Dennis Nahat created for Ms. Lobé the role of “Anita” in his critically acclaimed, Blue Suede Shoes. Blue Suede Shoes was broadcast by PBS in 1997. Dancing in all of the lead roles in Nahat’s repertoire from 1994-2000, Ms. Lobé was praised by the press and public alike for her strong technique, innate musicality, and dramatic presence on stage. As she continued to perform, both on the national and international level, she also taught children and adults of all levels at the School of Cleveland Ballet. During the summers, Ms. Lobe taught Master Classes and workshops around the country. 

In March, 2000, Ms. Lobé received a Commendation from Mayor Ron Gonzales in San Jose, California. When Mr. Nahat took the company to San Jose, Ms. Lobé chose to remain in Ohio to raise her two young children. Ms. Lobé continued to perform each summer in Ghedi, Italy while dedicating herself to teaching and freelance in the United States. In December, 2005, a farewell performance in The Nutcracker concluded her 23 years professional career.

Ms. Lobé has been on the staff of Dance Institute of the University of Akron, Sharron School of Dance, and Royal School of Ballet (formerly located in North Royalton, Ohio). On many occasions Ms. Lobe taught Company class for Ohio Ballet.  She has staged pieces from classical repertoire and has also choreographed many new works for her students. She gives particular attention to the physical and artistic development of her students and was awarded the “2003 Outstanding Teacher Award” by Dance Institute in recognition of her excellence in dance education. It is this attention to detail and desire to impart “exquisiteness” and perfection to her students that makes Ms. Lobe a continually sought-after guest teacher at Summer Workshops throughout the country and internationally. 

Summer Workshops which Ms. Lobé has taught are:  Geiger Classic Ballet Academy, Checcetti Council of America, Lakearrowhead Classical Ballet, and Ballettoday, among others. Since 2004, Ms. Lobe has been teaching at every Summer Intensive Program at Festival Ballet Providence, Rhode Island. Since dedicating herself to teaching, many of Ms. Lobe’s students have gone on to succeed professionally in dance, and others have gone on to become successful professionals pursuing other aspirations and dreams. Most recently, several former long-time students of Ms. Lobe’s have joined major ballet companies around the country. 

Ms. Lobé strongly believes that one of the best forms of exercise that help develop and maintain good training for dancers is GYROTONIC®. After having tried the GYROTONIC® Expansion System herself, Ms. Lobe trained and became certified under Master Teacher, Cori-Dotzer and has since opened her own business: “Ana Lobe & Motions.” Ms. Lobe’s work with this program has influenced her in the studio, both as a teacher and choreographer, as it can help a dancer achieve better body awareness, strength, balance, increase range of motion, and help keep a dancer injury free. 

Ms. Lobé is particularly grateful to her teachers and coaches in Cuba (Alicia Alonso and Laura Alonso, Loipa Araujo, Karemia Moreno, Clara Carranco, Mirta Garcia among others) and in Europe (Ivan Nagy and Luc de Lairesse) and in the United States (Dennis Nahat and Fernando Bujones.)  She would like to give a special thanks to all of those who have helped her to develop both as an artist and as a human being. Having enjoyed such a fulfilling career in ballet, Ms. Lobé is always willing to share the benefits and her passion for dance. She is very happy to lend her talents and energy weekly to special needs adults, teaching them Therapeutic Dance at the Medina County Boards of Developmental Disabilities, which is part of the program offered by Asian Martial Arts. In December 2012, she joined the Boards of Directors of RED COMPANY.real.edge.dance. 

From September 2008 thru May 2012, Ms. Lobé became appointed Artistic Director of Great Lakes Youth Ballet in North Royalton, Ohio. At Great Lakes Youth Ballet she shared her passion and commitment to dance; choreographing new works, staging pieces from the classical repertoire and developed an outstanding program for the students that love art and music. She created many opportunities for her students to dance in Outreach Programs in Elementary Schools, as well as, many public performances.

In September 2012, Ms. Lobe founded “ALBA” Ana Lobe Ballet Academy; it was for her “a dream come true” and an ultimate expression of the gratitude she feels toward her wonderful mentors. 

Ms. Lobé has created an exciting, synergistic curriculum with injury prevention that is a culmination of all the knowledge she received from her early training in Cuba and from working with other influential artists throughout her career. Ms. Lobe has developed this pre-professional ballet academy into a creative, versatile ensemble. Young dancers are offered the opportunity to highlight their technique and theatricality in exciting contemporary, jazz, tap, modern, and musical theatre pieces, as well as, classical repertoire.  By serving the needs of the dancer, ALBA has established itself as a facility that connects people with a passion for dance; whether they hope to become professional ballerinas or go on to fulfill other aspirations.

Photography by Luca Sportelli Creations