Carlos Acosta's next steps
Carlos Acosta turns 40 this year, with that comes his preparation to bring his own production, On Before to Edinburgh, which is the only Scottish stop on the tour. The production showcases the works of choreographers who are not household names among ballet fans but whose influence on the contemporary scene is prominent, which Acosta believes is crucial to the evolution of dance. As a result, the production echoes this evolution in Acosta himself, as a dancer; for the art-form in the 21st century; in the audiences who watch dance and so on. However, Acosta hasn’t turned his back on classical ballet but for the time being it seems it is time for him to find other dances within himself.
That isn’t to say that audience watching On Before won’t expect to see Acosta in tights and performing his usual roles such as Siegfried and Romeo, however these will not make any appearances. There are nine separate elements in On Before, with some new and some existing choreography which Acosta values for their strong, but contemporary, even minimalistic form. Acosta will be dancing alongside Zenaida Yanowsky and at one point in addition to a choir rather than big ensembles.
On Before contains a slight narrative with Acosta choosing the pieces which created a moving dance journey and offer love, death, and loneliness. However, Acosta urges audiences to come with open minds and create their own stories of what they see, as well as for Acosta’s stance on this new piece, taking on new challenges with his mind and body.
Given this commitment, Acosta will still be appearing as a guest artist with the Royal Ballet and companies abroad while masterminding On Before. He will continue to deliver the thrilling blend of physical technique and expressive artistry, all this from a man who's impoverished beginnings meant he sometimes went shoeless. Dancewear Central wish him success with all his endeavours!