In pictures: the American Ballet Theatre in Cuba

The New York-based American Ballet Theatre (ABT) perform Theme and Variations, choreographed by George Balanchine, at the Karl Marx theatre in Havana Photograph: Javier Galeano/AP

The ABT's Cory Stearns Photograph: Enrique De La Osa/Reuters

The last time the ABT performed in Cuba, Fidel Castro had been in power for barely a year Photograph: Enrique De La Osa/Reuters

The US cast perform Fancy Free at the Karl Marx theatre Photograph: EPA

The ABT Cuban dancer Jose Manuel Carreño performs with the Argentinian Paloma Herrera Photograph: Enrique De La Osa/Reuters

ABT dancers perform Seven Sonatas Photograph: EPA

Michele Wiles and Stearns in Theme and Variations Photograph: Javier Galeano/AP

Kevin McKenzie, the artistic director of the ABT, said: 'Travel is not easy between America and Cuba, but we got our licences relatively quickly so there was clearly a willingness to make it happen on our government's part' Photograph: Javier Galeano/AP

Carreño performs Le Corsaire, choreographed by Joseph Mazilier Photograph: Javier Galeano/AP

Wiles in Theme and Variations Photograph: Javier Galeano/AP

Cultural exchanges have become much easier under the Barack Obama administration. Earlier this year, the legendary US jazz musician Wynton Marsalis took his orchestra to Cuba, while the Cuban pianist Chucho Valdés was in New York last week Photograph: Javier Galeano/AP