The Royal Ballet School has appointed internationally renowned dancer, choreographer and director of Birmingham Royal Ballet Carlos Acosta CBE to its Board of Governors.
Christopher Rodrigues CBE, chairman of The Royal Ballet School, commented, “I am delighted to welcome Carlos Acosta to The Royal Ballet School’s Board of Governors, and know that he will bring a passion for dance and a clear vision for its future to the School. His perspective as the new Director of Birmingham Royal Ballet will be invaluable in helping the School to maintain its crucial relationship with his company.”
Although Acosta was born into one of Havana's poorest districts in 1973, he has danced professionally with some of the world’s most prestigious companies including English National Ballet, National Ballet of Cuba, American Ballet Theatre, and Houston Ballet. He made his home at The Royal Ballet in 1998, retiring from the Company in 2015.
In 1990, he won the coveted Gold Medal at the Prix De Lausanne. In the 2014 New Year’s Honours List, Acosta was awarded the CBE. In the National Dance Awards 2015, Acosta was awarded the De Valois Award for Lifetime Achievement.
Acosta has formed his own company, Acosta Danza, and created the Carlos Acosta International Dance Foundation, giving opportunities to young dancers and choreographers whose talents might not otherwise be seen or heard.
Christopher Powney, artistic director of The Royal Ballet School, stated, “I am thrilled that Carlos Acosta will bring his energy and commitment to dance to The Royal Ballet School. His appointment is a celebration of the long-standing ties between the School and Birmingham Royal Ballet – a company that so many of our talented students have made their home. I look forward to working with Carlos as the Director of one of our great companies and also receiving his support as a Governor. He will continue to be an inspiration to our young dancers and play a key role in helping us to successfully steer the future of the School.”
Acosta added, “I'm delighted to have been invited to join The Royal Ballet School's Board of Governors and look forward to bringing a wider perspective to the School's direction and future plans. Birmingham Royal Ballet's presence and influence on the Board brings a golden opportunity to celebrate our historic relationship with The Royal Ballet School.”