Jorge Barani is a distinguished Cuban-American ballet dancer lauded for his exceptional technique, powerful stage presence, and unwavering dedication to the art of ballet. Inspired by his mother, a former ballerina, Barani began his dance training at the age of eight and quickly demonstrated a rare aptitude for classical performance.

From 2002 to 2007, he attended the School of Arts Alfonso Pérez Isaac in Matanzas before moving on to the National School of Art Ballet in Havana, where he continued to refine his skills until 2010. Upon graduation, Barani joined the prestigious National Ballet of Cuba under the direction of the legendary Alicia Alonso. During this time, he performed principal roles across major international tours and achieved a career highlight in 2009 by dancing in Manon alongside the Royal Ballet of London during their visit to Cuba.

Eager to broaden his artistic horizons, Barani joined Ballet de Monterrey in Mexico in 2012, where he showcased his versatility in iconic roles such as Ali in Le Corsaire and the Bronze Idol in La Bayadère. Subsequent engagements with Ballet San Jose, Arts Ballet Theatre of Florida, and Northwest Florida Ballet further enriched his experience. In 2013, he was named a Soloist with Cincinnati Ballet, and by 2014, had risen to Principal Dancer with Kentucky Ballet Theatre. He later served as Principal Dancer at the State Opera Stara Zagora in Bulgaria and currently holds the title of Principal Dancer at the Bucharest National Opera House.

Barani’s artistry has been recognized in numerous international ballet competitions. Among his many accolades, he won double gold medals at the 2013 World Ballet Competition USA, a silver medal at the 2015 Korea International Ballet Competition, and a gold medal at the 2016 Vienna International Ballet Competition. That same year, he also earned a silver medal at the Varna International Ballet Competition. In 2018, his standout performance at the Jackson International Ballet Competition secured him a professional contract with Cincinnati Ballet.

His diverse repertoire spans classical masterpieces such as La Sylphide, The Nutcracker, Raymonda, Paquita, Don Quixote, La Bayadère, Cinderella, and Swan Lake, as well as contemporary and neoclassical works by renowned choreographers including Septime Webre, Katia Garza, and Devon Carney. Barani has performed at leading international galas throughout Asia, Europe, and the Americas, among them the Festival Internacional de Ballet de la Habana under Alicia Alonso’s direction and the Youth America Grand Prix Gala in New York, where he partnered with Maria Kochetkova. In 2017, he reached a broader audience by competing on the twelfth season of America’s Got Talent, earning accolades from both judges and viewers.

Beyond his commanding presence on stage, Barani is dedicated to nurturing future generations of dancers through masterclasses and workshops worldwide. His tireless commitment to elevating ballet continues to captivate audiences and inspire young artists across the globe.