Carlos Acosta was born the youngest of 11 children into a very poor family in Havana, Cuba. His father enrolled him
in a ballet school to curb his wild spirit. He went on to win the Prix de Lausanne international competition in 1990, which launched his career, beginning with English National Ballet, Cuban National Ballet, Houston Ballet and now the Royal Ballet. He is appearing as a guest artist with the Australian Ballet in the Melbourne season of 'Jerome Robbins - a celebration'.
What is your first memory of dancing?
Break dancing in Cuban parties.
What was your first public performance (this can be for friends, family, etc)?
A break dancing competition that I won when I was ten years old.
How old were you when you first started dancing and why did you start lessons?
I started at nine years old because my father enrolled me against my will.
How would you describe your training? (Eg: was it a particular method, who intensive was it, what was special about it?)
I trained with the Cuban school using the Cuban method, which is mainly influenced by the Vaganova school. What makes it special is that the dance is always big and contained or reserved like other methods.
What did you learn there besides dance?
I learnt musical education, French and other types of dance such as character or folk loric.
How else did the school provide for you (i.e was it a boarding school, did it provide meals, or did you go there as a day student)?
I have been in both boarding school and day school, both provide meals, books and everything ballet related for free. Cuba has become famous for the high number of stunning male dancers.
Can you explain why this is?
No one can tell for sure but I think it has to do with a number of factors, one is that the government put a lot of effort to support art and make it accessible for everyone and the fact that music and dance is part of the Cuban identity.
What was your first professional debut?
At the new Theatre in Turin, I danced Carmen in the Corps de Ballet at age 16.
Do you have a memory of a particularly special performance?
Winning the grande prix de Lausanne in 1990.
What is your favourite role?
Lately I had the opportunity to dance Spartacus with the Bolshoi and it opened a whole new world for me. I think it must be the role of my life. I also enjoy dancing all the MacMillan ballets and the main classics.
What is your favourite step?
I don’t have a favourite, loving them all.
What is the hardest role you have had to perform, and why?
Glen Tetley’s ‘Rite of Spring’ because it exhausts you to the point of nausea.
What is your proudest moment?
Dancing Spartacus with the Bolshoi in Paris Opera, but I was also very proud when my autobiography was launched in October last year.
What do you always take with you to a performance?
I take my iPod to listen to while I warm up to help me relax.
What makes you sad?
Seeing my father so fragile.
What do you most admire in people?
Sincerity.
How would you describe your feet?
Ugly, but efficient.
If you weren’t a dancer, what would you be?
A musician or an athlete.
Do you have plans for life after dance?
I’m planning on having at least 9 cappuccino children and have my own football team.
What occupation would be furthest from your true nature?
A doctor or a scientist.
