Carlos Acosta

Carlos Acosta was born in Havana, Cuba, on June 2, 1973. Growing up in an impoverished family, his father encouraged him to pursue dance as a means of discipline and a source of free meals. He trained at the Cuban National Ballet School, where he developed into a skilled dancer, receiving his diploma with maximum qualifications and a gold medal in June 1991. Acosta’s early talent was evident, earning him significant awards, including the Gold Medal at the Prix de Lausanne in 1990 and the Grand Prix at the 4th biennial Concours International de Danse de Paris in the same year. These early achievements set the stage for an international career.

His professional journey began touring globally with various companies from 1989 to 1991. He joined the English National Ballet for the 1991/92 season, making his debut in the Polovtsian Dances. From 1992 to 1994, he was a member and then a principal dancer with the National Ballet of Cuba. In November 1993, Acosta joined the Houston Ballet as a principal dancer, performing lead roles in works such as ‘The Nutcracker’ and ‘Swan Lake’. In 1998, he became a permanent member of The Royal Ballet in London, performing a wide range of roles including ‘In the middle, somewhat elevated’ for his debut with the company and ‘Don Quixote’. He was promoted to principal guest artist in 2003, allowing him to expand his international appearances.

Acosta concluded his 17-year tenure at The Royal Ballet in November 2015 with his self-created ‘Carmen’. In January 2020, he was appointed Director of Birmingham Royal Ballet, where he has since initiated new productions and collaborations, including a “Curated by Carlos” festival. Beyond performing, Acosta established the Acosta Dance Foundation in 2017, which provides dance training opportunities for young dancers. His autobiography, ‘No Way Home’, and the film ‘Yuli: The Carlos Acosta Story’ chronicle his life and career, showcasing his impact on the ballet world.