Cuban ballet dancers decide to stay in Canada

Five members of the National Ballet of Cuba have decided to stay in Canada after performing there, a spokeswoman for the Cuban company says.

Catherine Chang said the five were studying with Canada's National Ballet in Toronto, but she did not elaborate.

The Montreal Gazette reported that among the Cubans was principal dancer Elier Bourzac, who was staying in Canada for "artistic" reasons.

It remains unclear if the Cubans have defected.

The National Ballet of Cuba performed Giselle last month in Montreal.

The company is led by legendary prima ballerina assoluta Alicia Alonso.

Several Cuban ballet dancers have defected during foreign tours in the past.