Cubanía, Royal Opera House

One of the most exciting ballet dancers of his generation, Cuban-born Carlos Acosta brings a taste of his homeland to Covent Garden’s main stage this summer. He has just announced his retirement from ballet, so this will be one of the last chances to see him perform. 

Cubanía, a vibrant programme of dance curated by and starring Acosta himself, brings together dancers from Cuban and British companies, international choreographers and a live Cuban band in an intoxicating blend of cultures that is sure to delight his many fans.

Acosta himself will dance in a new piece by the Cuban choreographer Miguel Altunaga and will partner Royal Ballet Principal Zenaida Yanowsky in Edward Liang’s poignant duet, Sight Unseen .

The evening will also include Tocororo Suite , a selection of highlights from Acosta’s very successful 2004 autobiographical trawl through classical, contemporary and Afro-Cuban dance, set in the streets of Havana and now re-imagined for the ROH stage.

Danza Contemporanea de Cuba will make its Covent Garden debut, featuring work by its acclaimed choreographer and Olivier nominee, George Cespédes; and the Cuban star Alexander Varona will perform one of Russell Maliphant’s most striking male solos, Flux .

Among the dancers taking part are members of the Royal Ballet, Ballet Rambert and Cuban National Ballet.

Throughout his career, Carlos Acosta has been determined to bring the rich culture of his native Cuba to the attention of the wider world; he was instrumental in negotiations that culminated in a triumphal tour of Cuba by Britain’s Royal Ballet in 2009.