Visit to Acosta Dance Centre October 2026

A small group of LBC members gathered at the Acosta Dance Foundation in Woolwich expecting to watch a rehearsal by Acosta Danza, currently touring Cuban Baroque. Following scheduling changes we were instead treated to a rehearsal by students of the Acosta Advanced Training Hub. The students were from the two-year course and the pre-professional course and receive world-class training under the guidance of Carlos Acosta to prepare them for professional careers in dance.

We were welcomed by Aydmara Cabrera (Head of Training Programmes), a former principal dancer at the National Ballet of Cuba. She explained the AATH programmes and the content for the forthcoming showcase Havana Poetry at the Lanterns Studio Theatre. 

We then watched a rehearsal of the excerpts from Nutcracker in Havana, choreographed by Carlos Acosta. This was one of the first run-throughs, it was a delight to see these talented dancers at work.

After the rehearsal of classical ballet, we then watched a contrasting work: 98 Dias, a contemporary ballet by Javier de Frutos, which takes us back to Cuba in 1930. Spanish playwright Federico García Lorca was so enchanted by the island that a short visit turned into 98 days, a period he described as among the happiest of his life. This vibrant work captures what it feels like to fall in love with a place far from home.

The rehearsal was led by Estela Merlos (Contemporary Dance Teacher) and it was fascinating to watch the transition from one form of dance to another.

Our thanks go to Acosta Dance Centre for hosting us and offering the further opportunities to watch Acosta Danza. 

Report by Jill Samuels © The London Ballet Circle