The Review - THEATRE by NATALIE LI Published: 31 July 2009
Hail the great
dance master from Havana
CARLOS ACOSTA
London Coliseum
FANS gathered from far and wide to sample the latest offerings from this phenomenal performer.
Packed to the rafters, there was a gasp of breath as the almighty dancing superstar leapt on the stage in a revival of his most famed role, Spartacus.
Cutting through the air his slickness and speed was a sight to behold, his awesome athletic strength pounding across the stage.
There’s no doubt the show was dominated by this staggering force of a dancer, whose sweat streamed from every pore.
But let’s not forget the array of talented performers who joined the line up, in a stunning showcase of various styles.
Six dances made up each half, a finely tuned fusion of both contemporary and the classical ballet pieces, some familiar to the most ardent Acosta fans.
From Azari Plisetsky’s Canto Vital in which Acosta and fellow stars Steven McRae, Amilcar Moret and Arionel Vargas paraded a forest setting in a show of masculinity; to the pas de deux from John Neumeier’s Othello in which Hamburg Ballet’s Florencia Chinellato and Amilcar Moret trod delicately and lovingly, every moment was as glittering and spellbinding as the next.
Carlos Acosta’s rise through the dance ranks has been phenomenal.
The world famous dancer grew up on the rough streets of Cuba, saved from a life of gang crime after discovering a talent for dance. He performed as a Royal Ballet principal for almost 10 years and this show was the pinnacle of his achievement.
Beaming from start to finish, it was clear the Cuban dance legend was having a ball, flanked by his fellow dancers and friends.
Despite splendid performances from all guests, one could never escape the sheer magnetism of this unparalleled star. Run finished