HAVANA ? The Bolshoi Ballet makes its return to Cuba for the first time in three decades on Saturday when it joins forces with the Cuban National Ballet for a highly anticipated performance.

"You are going to seeing differences in style, in schools, something which is greatly anticipated by the public," Cuban prima ballerina, Barbara Garcia, told a press conference.

Six Russian dancers and seven Cubans from the two world-renowned classical companies spoke about Saturday's gala at the Karl Marx Theater in the Cuban capital, saying they expected to reconcile their differences in style.

"Cubans and Russians are very emotional when they dance," said Bolshoi star Elena Andrienko, recognizing that "Cubans are very strong technically and emotionally."

The two companies have long-standing, strong ties and Saturday's gala performance is being directed by a legend of Cuban ballet, the 89-year-old Alicia Alonso.

The performance is being staged as part of the Havana International Book Fair, which this year has Russia as the guest of honor. Some 220 Russian writers, intellectuals and artists have been invited to take part in the event.

On the program will be excerpts from some of the world's greatest ballets such as "Giselle," "The Sleeping Beauty" and "Carmen."

The gala comes after Cubans were entranced in July by the first ever performance in the communist run country by Britain's Royal Ballet.

Ties between Cuba and Russia deteriorated after the break-up of the Soviet Union in 1991, but have gradually been improving in recent years.