Brief Life Carlos Acosta Cuban Ballet Dancer
Cuban Dance Star Acosta Rises from Poverty to Royal Ballet
Jul 21, 2009
Carlos Acosta is Cuba’s most prestigious artistic export. He was born in Havana in 1973, of mixed African and Spanish heritage, the son of an impoverished truckdriver and a mother constantly in poor health.
Carlos Acosta’s Early Life
Acosta, last of eleven children, spent his childhood on the streets of Havana. At one point his mother went into hospital with a brain tumour and his father spent two years in prison for a traffic violation. Acosta competed in breakdancing battles against rival groups, winning his first trophy at the age of nine. Football was another pastime about which he was passionate. He dreamed that one day he would become a professional.
Carlos Acosta Enrols in Ballet School
His father had different ideas. He realised that Acosta's energetic personality could lead him into a life of crime. The boy needed focus. His father took the unusual step of enrolling him in a state ballet school.
Acosta found ballet dull. He was afraid of being called effeminate, and he missed the lively Havana street life. In answer to his protestations his father beat him and led him to the window, pointing to the street below. “Do you want to be like them, with no future?”.
Carlos Acosta and National Cuban Ballet
Eventually Acosta was rejected by his ballet school because he couldn’t settle down, but his father persevered and found him a boarding school. At the Pinar del Río school he blossomed, realising he had a natural talent. A school trip to see the National Cuban Ballet convinced him that ballet demanded great athleticism and creativity. It had status.
This was his turning point and he worked hard from that day on, becoming the star pupil. At the age of 14 he was accepted by Cuba’s prestigious National School of Ballet. In Italy, at the age of 16, he won the coveted 1990 Prix de Lausanne. From that day forward Carlos Acosta’s rise to fame was assured.
Carlos Acosta’s Dance History
- 1989 to 1991 performed throughout the world guesting with many companies.
- 1991/92 English National Ballet
- 1992 and 1993 National Ballet of Cuba
- 1993 to 1998 – Principal Dancer, Houston Ballet
- 1998 to present - The Royal Ballet, first black Principal Dancer – his performance in Diana and Actaeon was a showcase for his skills. In 2003 he was promoted to Principal Guest Artist allowing him freedom to dance internationally.
Carlos Acosta’s Awards
- Gold Medal Prix de Lausanne (1990),
- Grand Prix 4th biennial Concours International de Danse de Paris (1990),
- Vignale Danza Prize Italy (1990),
- Frédéric Chopin Prize, awarded by Polish Artistic Corporation (1990),
- Prize for Merit Young Talent Competition, Positano, Italy (1991),
- Osimodanza Prize, Italy (1991),
- Grand Prix Cuba's prestigious Union of Writers and Artists (UNEAC) competition (1991),
- Dance Fellowship Princess Grace Foundation, United States (1995).
- He was nominated for Olivier Award 2004.
Carlos Acosta Returns to Dance in Cuba
Despite fame and money Acosta has never abandoned his Cuban roots. Initially homesickness was a great problem, his parents had never seen him dance professionally and the friendliness of Havana was absent in London. A triumphant, professional return to his homeland with the Royal Ballet in July 2009 reunited him with old pals, schoolteachers, family and neighbours. Cuba’s favourite son was given a hero’s welcome.
The Future for Carlos Acosta
Acosta is at his peak now. Yet like all dancers, he must plan early for his retirement. In the future he hopes to return to Cuba and open a ballet school.
Perhaps Acosta’s replacement is already unwittingly kicking a football around the steamy streets of Havana!
Source:
- No Way Home: A Cuban Dancer's Story by Carlos Acosta (HarperPerennial Jul 2008)
- 'Carlos Acosta: 'I Hammer My Body Every Day' by Christina Patterson, The Independent, 26 June 2009
See Also:-
- Chita Rivera receives Medal of Freedom - Hispanic Dancer Chita Rivera's life and achievements.
- My Friend Michael Jackson - Uri Geller's friendship with Michael Jackson explained in UK TV programme.
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