Acosta Danza Yunior Next Generation
Freesheet
Carlos Acosta presents the latest graduates from his Cuban Dance Academy in Next Generation a programme full of energy, technical skill, and Cuban passion. The pieces that make up the show speak about the Caribbean Island, recreating the bodies, lights, and shadows of a country.
Fuga addresses the tragedy that the constant migration of its people represents for a country like Cuba. Choreographer Susana Pous confines her dancers to a small area of the stage and from there develops a story about failed struggles, unfinished stories, pain, and empty spaces.
Kit Holder’s Capriccio is inspired by René Magritte’s famous series of paintings ‘The Lovers’. Capriccio animates the protagonists of these instantly recognisable images. New for this season, Didy Veldman has created a piece that exploits the physicality of the young artists, heirs to a rich dance tradition.
Mundo Interpretado (Interpreted World), by Juliano Nunes, takes a journey from general sentiment to the spiritual essence. Dozens of water lily flowers decorate the space – an installation by Cuban visual artist Glenda León which creates a delicate and striking effect on the stage.
Founded in 2023, Acosta Danza Yunior provides an initial platform for the next generation of professional dancers, recently graduated from the Acosta Dance Academy in Havana, to develop and hone their skills, and brings to the stage the latest art from Cuba, infused with the inspiration the Caribbean island has for creators around the world.
About Acosta Danza Junior
Acosta Danza Junior, founded in 2023 by renowned Cuban dancer Carlos Acosta, is an exciting initiative dedicated to training the next generation of talented dancers. Aimed at young people between the ages of 18 and 21, this junior company offers a three-year program that serves as a bridge between the Academy and Acosta Danza. The initiative leverages existing infrastructure in Havana and its mission is to celebrate Cuba’s rich folkloric traditions through its dynamic repertoire.
Carlos Acosta’s vision for the company is to bring together both established Cuban choreographers and emerging young talents, fostering the creation of new works and the reinterpretation of Cuban folk traditions. In this way, Acosta Danza Yunior pays homage to Cuba’s cultural heritage and provides a platform for young dancers to explore and develop their art in an environment that celebrates energy, creativity, and cultural pride.
The company made its world premiere in Havana, Cuba, in early 2024 and, later that year, its international debut at MAST Mayflower Studios in the UK, where it presented a diverse and vibrant program highlighting Cuba’s folkloric history. This performance represents a significant milestone for Acosta Danza Yunior, bringing its unique fusion of Cuban culture and contemporary dance to a wider audience.
Artistic Team & Credits
Artistic Director Carlos Acosta
Teacher Maylin Castillo
Company Manager Rayselis Rodriguez
Technical Director Pedro Benitez
Production Managers David Pritchard & Douglas Nicholson
Stage Manager Eduardo Peon
Sound Engineer Jose Acedo
Wardrobe Manager Yunet Uranga
Footwear Manager Emma Campbell
Dancers
Carolina Monteagudo
Heidy Núñez
Maria del Carmen Pantoja
Paul Brando
Alexander Arias
Alejandro Figueredo
Ernesto Muñoz
Noel Sánchez
Anthony Quevedo
Edgar Quintero
Valid Productions
Executive Producer Rupert Rohan
Producer Anne-Louise Hawker
Financial Controller Robert Davage
Production Assistant Nadine Quercia
Assistant Harriet Buckland
Touring Assistant Victor Francis
Press Clair Chamberlain & Ben Woolridge
Digital Marketing Fizz Floor (HdK)
Repertoire
Fuga
Choreographer Susana Pous
Music José V. Gavilondo
Set Susana Pous
Costumes Susana Pous & Yunet Uranga
Dancers
Maria del Carmen Pantoja
Carolina Monteagudo
Heidy Nuñez
Noel Sánchez
Edgar Quintero
Alejandro Figueredo
Two
Choreographer Didy Veldman
Music Composer: Arvo Pärt
Title of music track Fratres
Costume Design Didy Veldman
Light Design Pedro Benitez
Dancers
Maria del Carmen Pantoja
Ernesto Muñoz
Capriccio
Choreographer Kit Holder
Music Capriccio No. 1 in C Minor
Composer Joseph-Marie-Clément Dall’Abaco Violin
Performed by Eleanor Frey
Dialogue ELT Mesens
Recording PAS0993
Costumes Kit Holder
Dancers
Paul Brando
Alexander Arias
Mundo Interpretado
Choreographer Juliano Nunes
Music José V. Gavilondo
Set & Costume Design Glenda León
Light Design Pedro Benitez
Dancers
Maria del Carmen Pantoja
Carolina Monteagudo
Heidy Nuñez
Noel Sánchez
Edgar Quintero/ Ernesto Muñoz
Alejandro Figueredo
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