Carlos Acosta

Carlos Acosta
Acosta in 2019
Born (1973-06-02) 2 June 1973 (age 51)
Havana, Cuba
CitizenshipCuban (by birthplace), British[when?][citation needed]
EducationCuban National Ballet School
OccupationBallet dancer
Career
Current groupThe Royal Ballet, Director of Birmingham Royal Ballet
Former groupsEnglish National Ballet
National Ballet of Cuba
Houston Ballet
Acosta after dancing Tzigane, Royal Opera House, March 2008

Carlos Yunior Acosta Quesada CBE (born 2 June 1973) is a Cuban-British ballet director and retired dancer who is director of the Birmingham Royal Ballet. He danced with many companies, including the English National Ballet, National Ballet of Cuba, Houston Ballet and American Ballet Theatre. He was a permanent member of The Royal Ballet from 1998 to 2015. In 2003, he was promoted to principal guest artist, a rank that reduced his commitment, enabling him to concentrate on a growing schedule of international guest appearances and tours. He celebrated his farewell after 17 years at The Royal Ballet, dancing his last performance in November 2015 in Carmen, which he both choreographed and starred in.[1]

In January 2020, Acosta was appointed as director of Birmingham Royal Ballet, succeeding David Bintley. In February, he announced the plans for his inaugural season, including a "Curated by Carlos" festival, and special performances with Alessandra Ferri.[2]

  1. ^ The Royal Opera House Magazine, January 2016.
  2. ^ "Carlos Acosta Cbe Begins His New Role As Director of Birmingham Royal Ballet". Birmingham Royal Ballet. 10 January 2020. Archived from the original on 13 February 2020. Retrieved 13 February 2020.