Carlos Acosta CBE

Carlos grew up in an impoverished family in one of Havana’s poorest districts. Sent to train at the National Ballet School of Cuba, at just 18, he became English National Ballet’s youngest ever Principal Dancer, subsequently joining Houston Ballet as a Principal dancer, before the Royal Ballet where he remained for several years.

Carlos enjoyed a thriving career as an International Guest Artist with the leading ballet companies around the world, dancing several seasons with the American Ballet Theatre and Opera Garnier in Paris. He has choreographed several new works including, Don Quixote, Carmen and his semi-autobiographical show, Tocororo.

Carlos formed his own company in Havana ‘Acosta Danza’ along with the Carlos Acosta International Dance Foundation, giving young dancers an education platform that is free at the point of delivery.

Outside of dance, he has written two books, ‘No Way Home’ and ‘Pig’s Foot’, and most recently, a film inspired by his life,‘Yuli’, premiered in the UK in April 2019.

Image Credit: Johan Persson