Acosta Danza 100% Cuban and Don Quixote at the Theatre Royal Plymouth were the suggestions of Cuban dancer and choreographer Carlos Acosta

March 26, 2022

A bell rings and a body begins to move. Showcasing the rich and musical influences of Cuban dance, Acosta Danza soon draws the audience into a trance of amazement at these expert dancers. And boy, these bodies really can move.

The dancers have almost skeletal qualities and seem rubber-like as they bend and sway with ease, like corn cobs among which they run in the piece Paysage, Soudain, la nuit.

Of the five dances that make up 100% Cuban, all attempt to capture the passion of the country, the history, the style and bring energy to thrill the audience.

They are also full of emotion like the story of the fugitive slave in the opening piece Liberto.

The dance company was created by the celebrated dancer Carlos Acosta in 2015 to develop young dance talents from Cuba. And although Carlos no longer dances with the company, he continues to lead and inspire their work.

And watching them in action transports us to the island with its Cuban flavor awakening our senses.

While the solos and duets provided amazing movements and created memorable poses, it was the group pieces that brought me the greatest joy.

The contagious smiles showed the pure pleasure that emanates from dance and even the futuristic hybrid work like war gave a team spirit inspiring resilience to continue facing what is presented to us.

The final piece of the night, De Punta a Cabo, seems to carry us to a party all night long and this carefree finale left an euphoric and grateful audience.

It is fantastic that Dance Consortium, the consortium of 18 major theaters throughout the United Kingdom, brings contemporary international dance like this to the UK public.

Carlos Acosta is now the director of Birmingham Royal Ballet and thus brings to the Plymouth stage his new production of Don Quixote.

The new production of the classic Don Quixote by Birmingham Royal Ballet has put smiles on faces and brought a touch of summer sun.

It is one of Carlos's favorites and he is convinced it will also be very popular with the public.

Created by one of the most renowned choreographers in history, Marius Petipa, with music by Ludwig Minkus, it premiered in 1869 and has since been a key part of the worldwide ballet repertoire.

Don Quixote was presented at the Theatre Royal, Plymouth, from March 16 to 19.