Jorge Barani is a distinguished Cuban-American ballet artist, recognised for his refined technique, commanding stage presence, and commitment to classical performance. Inspired by his mother, a former ballerina, he began training at the age of eight and quickly demonstrated exceptional promise.

From 2002 to 2007, he studied at the School of Arts Alfonso Pérez Isaac in Matanzas, before continuing at the National School of Art Ballet in Havana, where he trained until 2010. After graduating, he joined the National Ballet of Cuba under Alicia Alonso, performing principal roles on international tours. A notable early milestone came in 2009, when he danced in Manon alongside artists from The Royal Ballet during their visit to Cuba.

In 2012, Barani joined Ballet de Monterrey in Mexico, dancing roles such as Ali in Le Corsaire and the Bronze Idol in La Bayadère. Further engagements with Ballet San Jose, Arts Ballet Theatre of Florida, and Northwest Florida Ballet broadened his repertoire and artistic range. He was appointed Soloist with Cincinnati Ballet in 2013 and, in 2014, became a Principal Dancer with Kentucky Ballet Theatre. He later held principal positions with the State Opera Stara Zagora (Bulgaria) and currently performs as a Principal Dancer with the Bucharest National Opera.

His artistry has been recognised at major international competitions, including double gold medals at the World Ballet Competition USA (2013), a silver medal at the Korea International Ballet Competition (2015), a gold medal at the Vienna International Ballet Competition (2016), and a silver medal at the Varna International Ballet Competition (2016). In 2018, his performance at the Jackson International Ballet Competition resulted in a professional contract with Cincinnati Ballet.

Barani’s repertoire spans classical works such as La Sylphide, The Nutcracker, Raymonda, Paquita, Don Quixote, La Bayadère, Cinderella, and Swan Lake, as well as neoclassical and contemporary works by choreographers including Septime Webre, Katia Garza, and Devon Carney. He has appeared at international galas across Asia, Europe, and the Americas, including the Festival Internacional de Ballet de la Habana and the Youth America Grand Prix Gala in New York, where he partnered with Maria Kochetkova. In 2017, he reached a broad television audience by appearing on Season 12 of America’s Got Talent.

Alongside his performance career, Barani is active as a guest teacher, delivering masterclasses and workshops internationally, and supporting the next generation of dancers through disciplined, artistically grounded coaching.