Carlos Acosta Celebrates his 50 With a Great Gala in London

The main newspapers, radio, television and digital media in Great Britain echo the news. This July 26th and until Sunday, Carlos Acosta returns to the stage where he experienced some of the milestones of his artistic career, as the leading figure of the famous London Royal Ballet. At the Royal Opera House, in Covent Garden, he danced the great classics, the works of many contemporary choreographers, the essential titles of English ballet and his own creations, since there he premiered his acclaimed versions of Don Quixote and Carmen.

Although in an interview published by The Guardian, the dancer clarifies that it’s not a formal return to the company, but rather dancing for the last time in a place that for him is full of memories.

Many of his admirers are not resigned to the fact that this is a farewell, he believes that the Cuban dancer can still offer a lot. But Carlos Acosta is aware of the passing of time. In fact, in the interview he claimed, half-jokingly: "At 50, I have to dance so that I can still walk and not call an ambulance." It’s clearly an exaggeration. His most recent appearances have shown maturity and technical ability. Few dancers reach fifty years and fit.

Although certainly, now he has another priority: the direction of the Birmingham Royal Ballet, in Great Britain, and on this side of the Atlantic, in Havana, his Acosta Danza company.

Dancers from both groups join the season at the Royal Opera House. Acosta Danza soloists will perform, for example, scenes from Carmen, The Death of Two Swans and Tocororo. And the dancer Laura Rodríguez will interpret with Acosta the duet Mermaid, by Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui.

Among the international stars on these presentations appears his very close and dear Marianela Núñez, current director of the Royal Ballet, who will accompany him in Balanchine's Apollo and the pas de deuxs of the second act of the Swan Lake, by Petipá and Ivanov, and the first act of Manon, by Kenneth MacMillan.

There’s great expectation in London for this true dance festival. The journalist Teresa Guerreiro already warned a few days ago in an article: «This promises to be a very special occasion and, given the esteem in which Acosta is held, it’s likely that tickets will quickly sold out, so it’s recommended to book in advance." Today we know for sure: the theater will be full.

Translated by Amilkal Labañino / CubaSí Translation Staff