Varna International Ballet Competition
Born in Havana in 1941, Méndez studied music at home while enrolled in the Alicia Alonso Ballet Academy. She joined the BNC in 1955, debuting on March 27 in "Swan Lake" in a man's role because the company was experiencing a shortage of men at that time. She left for the US within a couple of years and joined the troupe of the Greek Theatre in Los Angeles, California, before touring with Ballet Celeste, and returning to Cuba in 1959. By 1962, she was the BNC's principal dancer. In the same year, she received the title of Profesora Fundadora at the National Art Schools, serving as professor of ballet for several years. She medalled at the Varna International Ballet Competition in 1964 (bronze) and 1965 (silver).