Carlos Acosta: Myths and Modern Masters at the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden
One of the most renowned male dancers of the past century, Carlos Acosta, who celebrated his 50th birthday with a sell-out gala at the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, the Cuban has delighted fans by announcing his return this August with a 5-performance run of a thrilling and diverse mixed programme entitled, Carlos Acosta: Myths and Modern Masters.
The evening begins with Acosta performing José Limón’s The Moor’s Pavane for the first time in his career alongside artists from Birmingham Royal Ballet, of which Acosta has been Director since 2020. A favourite of Rudolf Nureyev’s, this passionate tribute to Shakespeare’s Othello features Renaissance dance with music by Henry Purcell conducted by the Royal Ballet Sinfonia.
Joined by dancers from Acosta Danza and Birmingham Royal Ballet Acosta celebrates the dance heritage of Cuba in the Nutcracker in Havana Suite; a melting pot of classical, latin and contemporary styles.
Guest dancers from Birmingham Royal Ballet will follow this with the technically brilliant pas de deux from Agrippina Vaganova’s Diana and Actaeon, based on the myth of the Goddess Diana and the mortal hunter Actaeon.
With a live pianist and cellist on stage, Acosta partners with Amisaday Naara, principal dancer from Acosta Danza, to perform Nosotros by Raul Reinsino and Beatriz Garcia, an exploration into the dynamic between two lovers; outlining the mismatches and coincidences, the frustrations and luminescence of their relationship.
A revival of Christopher Bruce’s iconic Rooster by the Acosta Danza company, with Carlos Acosta in the lead role, promises to be a riotous finale. Celebrating The Rolling Stones with hits such as ‘Ruby Tuesday’ and ‘Little Red Rooster’, preening cockerels are stylish but chauvinistic young men looked on by scornful women in this hilarious battle of the sexes.
Carlos Acosta: Myths and Modern Masters on the main stage at the Royal Opera House from 5-9 August 2026. Running time approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes with two intervals. Suitable for ages 5+, tickets from £9-£195. For more information and to purchase tickets please visit the website.
Birmingham Royal Ballet Don Quixote at Sadler’s Wells
For something guaranteed to delight the entire family, Birmingham Royal Ballet’s Don Quixote is returning to London’s Sadler’s Wells for a limited run this April; the vision of the company’s world-renowned Director, Carlos Acosta, which first premiered to critical acclaim in 2022. The last venue concluding a highly successful 2026 UK tour, Sadler’s Wells audiences can expect a joyful explosion of Spanish sunshine, spectacular, high energy Latin dance and vivacious comedy – Acosta’s fiesta-like choreography is all that we would expect from him and more.
A 21st century reworking of a 19th century masterpiece dedicated to Miguel de Cervantes’ famous knight, don’t miss Acosta’s unforgettable retelling of Don Quixote. Joined by his loyal friend and servant Sancho Panza, the two meet many fascinating characters upon setting out on a quest to track down Don’s true love. A classic tale of romance, dreams and wisdom created especially for Birmingham Royal Ballet and set to Ludwig Minkus’ beloved score played by the Royal Ballet Sinfonia, this production is worthy of a pilgrimage.
2 hours and 45 minutes (including one 20 minute interval, and one 25 minute interval). Tickets from £15. For more information and tickets please visit the website.
Photography by Johan Persson and Tristram Kenton.
