Sunday Encounters – Carlos Acosta in converstion with Mike Parkinson

For one night only, Carlos Acosta, the greatest male ballet dancer of our generation is in conversation with Mike Parkinson, youngest son of Sir Michael Parkinson. Born in 1973 the 11th child of an impoverished family in one of Havana’s poorest districts, Acosta went on to conquer the elite art form. His story is as improbable and enthralling as his dancing so expect captivating dialogue and possibly a short dance demonstration.

Described by one critic as “a dancer who slashes across space faster than anyone else, who lacerates the air with shapes so clear and sharp they seem to throw off sparks”. At the age of 18, he became the English National Ballet’s youngest ever principal dancer and after 5 formative years as the principal dancer of Houston Ballet, Carlos joined the Royal Ballet in 1998.

Carlos has had a thriving career as an International Guest Artist with all the leading ballet companies and since retiring from his classical career in 2016, Carlos has formed his own contemporary dance company in Havana, ‘Acosta Danza’ for which he directs and tours as it performs around the world. In January 2019 it was announced that Carlos will become Director of The Birmingham Royal Ballet from January 2020.

Presented by Fane Productions as part of the ‘Sunday Encounters at the Haymarket’ season.