Cuban defector Nieser Zambrana to star as Puck in Midsummer Night's Dream

TAMPA, Fla. - He started dancing when he was just 9 years old in his native country, Cuba.

Once the decision to defect was made, he went for it. After 3 years with The National Ballet of Cuba, Nieser Zambrana craved freedom, and greater opportunities. So four months ago, after a performance in Canada. He headed for the border.

Now he lives in Tampa, taken in by his aunt who danced in Cuba for 13 years before coming to the US. And this weekend he stars as Puck in A Midsummer NIghts Dream on the big stage at the Straz Center.

Peter Stark is the ballet company's artistic director. He says Nieser is a gifted dancer. They work together well even though there is a language barrier.

Next for Nieser is two shows in West Palm Beach. Then he'll join the Orlando ballet in August where he was able to secure a season contract. You can catch Nieser in A Misdsummer Nights Dream tomorrow night at the Straz Center.