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Carlos was trained through the Cuban state ballet system and danced at the Bolshoi when he was just 16. He is now acknowledged globally as one of the finest dancers of his generation. The evening brings together two classics of the late 20th century repertoire with a rarely performed gem and a brand new commission by Adam Hougland, Young Apollo. Running through the program is the theme of the male muse in ballet, a figure brought to dazzling life by Acosta. This will be the first time Acosta has performed in Suite of Dances, originally created for Mikhail Baryshnikov and one of the most demanding of pieces for a male dancer. Afternoon of a Faun, is set to Debussy’s Prélude à l'après-midi d'un faune. Choreographed by Jerome Robbins, this a classic of the modern repertoire. Set in a ballet studio, the male dancer lounges on the floor. A ballerina enters and they dance facing the audience as though looking into the mirrored wall of the studio. Young Apollo, set to music of the same name by Benjamin Britten, is a newly created work choreographed by rising star Adam Hougland, exploring the Apollo story from a new perspective. This piece has been co-commissioned by Manchester International Festival and Salford City Council. Jerome Robbins’ A Suite of Dances, 1994, is set to four movements from Bach’s suites for solo cello. Featuring a solo female cellist onstage, dancer and cellist engage in a conversation of intimate notes and steps inflected with humor. This is the first time Acosta will dance this challenging piece. Balanchine’s Apollo, first performed in 1928, is in a purely classical style and has become a key work of the twentieth century ballet repertory. The piece follows the god Apollo instructing the muses in their arts, set to specially-composed music by Stravinsky. This quartet of dances will be performed by Acosta and a specially formed company of dancers, accompanied by the BBC Philharmonic, conducted by André de Ridder. Carlos Acosta - Afternoon of a Fun/Young Apollo/A Suite of Dances website.
Performers Carlos Acosta.