The first piece by former Rambert’s Miguel Altunaga was ‘Derrumbe’ which I felt was a good effort. I understand what Acosta has attempted to do, and he has certainly showcased the talents of dancers from Cuba’s Danza Contemporánea, however, some of the pieces still have a way to go.
He’s a superstar who attracts such a range of people of all ages and from all over the world granting him the power to bring quite a mixed bag to the Royal Opera House and to give it a go. Upon arrival, I did a double take and wondered whether I had stepped into the foyer awaiting a show such as ‘An Audience with Julie Andrews’, but no, everyone was there for Carlos. The audience themselves were very misleading. Now this is no bad thing, but I feel that the title was a little misleading especially for the ‘older’ members of the audience some of whom I overheard mentioning that this was not at all what they expected yet it was, they supposed, ‘an experience’. This did eventually happen in the second half of the programme with Acosta producing a condensed version of his ‘Tocororo’ piece, however, the first part of the programme was much more contemporary than I was expecting. I was expecting to see members of both the ballet and contemporary companies from Cuba authentically dancing to cuban music. The title is pretty suggestive of latin vibes, rum cocktails and hot Cuban dancing. Acosta is joined by members of Danza Contemporánea as he weaves a part-autobiographical narrative told through classical, contemporary and Afro-Cuban dance – all to the accompaniment of a live house band.There is something that needs to be cleared up about ‘Cubania’. In the second half of the evening Acosta presents his Tocoroco Suite, a selection of highlights from his hugely popular 2003 dance work completely re-imagined for the Royal Opera House main stage. The first half concludes with Edwaard Liang's Sight Unseen, danced by Acosta and Zenaida Yanowsky to music by Arvo Pärt. Acclaimed Cuban dancer Alexander Varona dances Russell Maliphant's Flux, followed by a world premiere from the acclaimed dance group Danza Contemporánea de Cuba. Altunaga piece is a world premiere danced by Acosta while Céspedes stages his thrilling La ecuación.
The first half of the evening sees Acosta collaborate with two Cuban dance stars, Miguel Altunaga and George Céspedes. Royal Ballet Principal Guest Artist Carlos Acosta curates and stars in an exciting mixed programme of dance inspired by his homeland.
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