Vibrant Combination at the US Kennedy Center: Cuba’s Acosta Danza

With a program already on the bill and tickets on sale today, the Cuban company Acosta Danza brings a vibrant combination to the stages of the Kennedy Center in the United States capital in May.

The dance group, founded in 2016 by Cuban dancer and choreographer Carlos Acosta (Havana, June 2, 1973), will perform on May 1, 2, and 3 at the Eisenhower Theater—with a capacity for 1,164 people—traditionally the venue for many of the Kennedy Center’s theater and dance performances.

According to specialized critics, Acosta Danza has toured the world with a unique style that fuses classical, contemporary, and Cuban styles. They say it is one of the most promising emerging dance companies today. The Kennedy debut will satisfy even the most discerning and discerning audiences with five works, each by a different choreographer, each bringing a distinct touch to Cuban culture.

During his 28-year career as a dancer, Acosta shone alongside the Cuban National Ballet, the Houston Ballet, the American Ballet Theatre, and the Royal Ballet.

After retiring from classical ballet in 2016, he founded Acosta Danza, a platform that fosters new generations of Cuban dancers and choreographers.

Also an actor and writer, Carlos Acosta was awarded the title of Commander of the Order of the British Empire and, since January 2020, has been the director of the Birmingham Royal Ballet, one of the most prominent companies in the United Kingdom.

“Carlos Acosta is one of the most celebrated dancers and choreographers, whose skills were honed with Alicia Alonso’s National Ballet of Cuba before becoming a soloist with the Royal Ballet,” said Alicia Adams, vice president of dance and international programming at the Kennedy Center.

She said she “was looking forward to bringing his Cuban company, Acosta Danza, to participate in the Kennedy Center’s Cuba Arts Festival in 2016, but weather prevented it.”

“I am delighted to finally have this exciting company with us for this season; audiences will be able to experience more of the richness of Cuban culture,” Adams said.