Dance to the beat of the Caribbean

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 performance speaks to 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.

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.

New for this season, Didy Veldman has created a piece that exploits the physicality of the young artists, heirs to a rich dance tradition.

Finally, Kit Holder takes inspiration from one of René Magritte’s most famous series of paintings ‘The Lovers’. Capriccio animates the protagonists of these instantly recognisable images of a couple embracing, their faces covered by cloth.

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. The company brings to the stage the latest art from Cuba, infused with the heart of the Caribbean island that has inspired creators around the world.

Header image description: Five dancers form a human chain. They are crouched low, grasping each other in various positions. The two dancers at the very right are holding onto a sixth dancer, who appears to be pulling away from the group. The dancers wear leotards and shorts, and they are standing on a square of bright green grass. A golden light illuminates them from above.

Header image © Yuris Nórido