A festive favourite with a Cuban twist

Carlos Acosta’s brand-new production Nutcracker in Havana explodes onto its debut UK tour, featuring new choreography by Carlos Acosta CBE performed by more than 20 dancers from his Cuban company, Acosta Danza.

Set to an exuberant Cuban newly-commissioned version of the magnificent Tchaikovsky score, arranged by Cuban composer Pepe Gavilondo, the timeless story is brought to life with ballet at its core, enriched with Acosta Danza’s unique style and with Cuban dance traditions beautifully woven throughout the much-loved and joyful family tale.

Join Clara in her humble home in Havana, getting ready to celebrate Christmas with her family. The beer cans are on the tree and Cuba is suitably hot. When Clara is gifted a Nutcracker doll she embarks on the journey of a lifetime, to defeat the Rat King and travel into the world of the Sugar Plum Fairy accompanied by her Nutcracker Prince.

With spectacular video projection and set design by Nina Dunn (9to5 Musical, Bonnie and Clyde, BRB’s Don Quixote), Cuba collides with the Land of Sweets, bringing snow to Havana. With lighting by Andrew Exeter (Oti Mabuse: I Am Here, The Full Monty UK Tour, Johannes Radebe: House of JoJo) and costumes by Angelo Alberto (costume designer for Goyo Montero’s ‘Imponderable’ and Raul Reinoso’s ‘Satori’ with Acosta Danza) Nutcracker in Havana is a visually stunning spectacular treat for all.

For dance fans around the globe, Carlos is an international superstar of the classical ballet world. Born in Havana and trained at the National School of Ballet in Cuba, he went on to dance professionally with the world’s most prestigious companies, with London’s Royal Ballet becoming his home. Having tackled huge titles throughout his career, from Carmen to Don Quixote, Nutcracker in Havana is an opportunity for Acosta to fuse this festive treat with a little Havana heat.

Tour

1 – 3 Nov 2024

Norwich
Theatre Royal

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8 – 9 Nov 2024

Canterbury
Marlowe Theatre

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19 – 20 Nov 2024

Aylesbury
Waterside Theatre

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26 – 27 Nov 2024

Richmond
Richmond Theatre

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10 – 15 Dec 2024

London
Southbank Centre

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10 – 11 Jan 2025

Woking
New Victoria Theatre

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13 – 14 Jan 2025

Wolverhampton
Grand Theatre

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17 – 18 Jan 2025

Milton Keynes
Milton Keynes Theatre

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27 – 28 Jan 2025

Salford
The Lowry

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Plus more dates to be announced…

“Welcome to my Nutcracker in Havana. I am so excited to be bringing this new production to life. Nutcracker is a ballet beloved by so many, it is a Winter tradition, not only for dance lovers but also for dancers. It is many dancers’ dream to perform the various roles of the Nutcracker and I am lucky to have done just that throughout my career.

“Nutcracker has always been a special show for me. My generation in Cuba grew up without the spirit of Christmas and with this show, I can combine the joy of the Nutcracker with the vibrant Havana culture. I cannot wait to take audiences from the humble settings of Clara’s home through to the beautiful dream sequences passing through the grand and vibrant Havana ballrooms of the 1940s and 50s.

“Infusing the colour, feel and vibrancy of Havana, where I grew up and started my career, with the tradition and beauty of Nutcracker is something I have wanted to do for a long time. With my Cuban company, Acosta Danza, I am proud to be revisiting another major ballet title following on from my Romeo & Juliet and Don Quixote.  I am hugely proud to be bringing Acosta Danza to the Nutcracker, telling that story in a new and different way and letting audiences experience a little piece of what tradition is for me.”

Carlos Acosta, Director and Choreographer

A male ballet dancer stands in a daylit hallway. He holds a sword out in front of him and in his right hand he holds up a female ballet dancer who is suspended in the air. He is supporting her by the small of her back and she is draped over, with her arms outstretched into the air. She is wearing a purple dress.
This image is on the rooftop of an old building overlooking Havana, the sky is blue. Two ballet dancers are mid-air , clashing swords in the middle. Each one has their free arm outstretched behind them and their legs elegantly outstretched too. One is a male soldier in a cream suit. The other is a rat king in a grey suit, but with a rat's tail and head, and a crown. A female ballet dancer sits on the floor in between them, cowering downwards with her hand held protectively above her and looking directly up. She is wearing a purple dress.
A male ballet dancer is jumping elegantly into the air in the doorway of a balcony. The double doors are open and looking out over a sunny Havana. The dancer has his left arm outstretched at a right angle to his torso, and his other arm is up in the air behind him and holding a sword.
A male ballet dancer stands on a marble staircase astride. He holds a sword out in front of him and in his right hand he holds up a female ballet dancer who is suspended in the air. He is supporting her by the small of her back and she is draped over, with her arms outstretched into the air. She is wearing a purple dress. They are both looking down at another ballet dancer who is lying at the foot of the staircase propped up by one arm. In his other arm, he is holding a sword outstretched at the pair on the stairs. He has the body of a human dressed in a grey suit, but a rat's tail and head, with a crown on top.
A female ballet dancer is jumping elegantly into the air in the doorway of a balcony. The double doors are open and looking out over a sunny Havana. The dancer is in side on and in the splits mid-air. Her arms are raised elegantly above her head and she is looking proudly upwards. She is wearing a vivid purple dress and ballet shoes.
A male ballet dancer is standing halfway up a marble stair case with his left arm outstretched above him and looking regal and strong. A female ballet dancer sits on his right shoulder with her arms stretched out in front of her and her right leg pointing straight out in front of her. She looks weightless and elegant.

Paul Brandon

Brandon began studying dance in 2014 at the “Regino Botti” Vocational Art School alongside additional training at the Children’s Academy of Danza Fragmentada. In 2019 he joined the Acosta Danza Academy where he gained recognition for his choreographic work. After graduating in 2023 he joined the founding cast of Acosta Danza Yunior. 

Zeleidy Crespo

Cuban-born Crespo began studying dance in 2001. She joined the National School of Music Shows in 2003 where she continued her studies. She joined the Ballet of Cuban Television in 2014 and toured internationally. In 2015 she joined Acosta Danza, winning Outstanding Female Performance at the 2023 UK National Dance Awards for her role in 100% Cubano.

Brian Ernesto

 
Ernesto began his dance studies at the “Alfonso Pérez Isaac” Vocational Art School in 2012. In 2017 he joined Acosta Danza Academy. In 2019, he participated in a performance as part of the XIII Havana Contemporary Arts Biennial. Since graduating in 2022 he joined the cast of Acosta Danza, and has performed in a wide repertoire of choreographies. 

Denzel Francis

Francis began his dance studies in 2012 at the “Alfonso Pérez Isaac” Vocational School of Art where he was awarded several prizes. In 2017 he joined the Acosta Danza Academy. He joined Acosta Danza to perform in Carmen and Don Quixote Suite. Graduating in 2022 he joined Acosta Danza, since performing in a wide repertoire of choreographies.

Brandy Martínez

Martínez began his dance studies at the “José María Heredia y Heredia” Vocational Art School in 2012 where he received multiple awards. In 2017 he joined the Acosta Danza Academy. In 2019, he participated in a performance as part of the XIII Havana Contemporary Arts Biennial. Graduating in 2022 he joined Acosta Danza. 

Raúl Reinoso

Reinoso is a Cuban choreographer and dancer with Acosta Danza. His work, Satori was awarded the Villanueva Prize from the Association of Scenic Critics as one of the best shows presented in Cuba, along with the Choreographic Prize from the Union of Writers and Artists of Cuba (UNEAC). His recent work, Liberto premiered at Sadler’s Wells in 2021. 

Alejandro Silva

Silva trained at the Cuban National School of Ballet where he graduated as a ballet dancer and teacher before joining the National Ballet of Cuba where he reached Principal dancer. Alongside dance Silva has participated in many audio-visual projects.  In 2015, he joined Acosta Danza since then he has danced with the company internationally. 

Liana Taly

Taly began her dance studies in 2012 at the “Alejo Carpentier” Vocational Art School. In 2017 she joined the Acosta Danza Academy, during this time, joining Acosta Danza as a cast member for Tocororo Suite, Don Quixote Suite and Carmen. After graduating in 2022 Taly joined the cast of Acosta Danza, performing a wide repertoire across Europe.  
 

Yaday Ponce

Yaday joined Art School ‘Alfonso Perez Isaac’ in 1990, studying classical ballet and contemporary dance. In 1998 she graduated from the National School of Dance in Havana. Yaday joined the Contemporary Dance of Cuba, under direction of maestro Miguel Iglesias. Between 2009 – 2014 she studied at the University of Arts, joining Acosta Danza in 2016 as teacher and rehearsal director.

Thalía Cardín

In 2017, Cardín was named best ‘individual performer’ in the Choreographic Competition held by the Lizt Alfonso Dance Company in Cuba. In 2019 she joined the Acosta Danza Academy, performing with Acosta Danza in 100% Cuban in 2022. Upon graduating in 2023 she became a member of the founding cast of Acosta Danza Yunior.
 

Adria Díaz

Díaz began studying dance at the Raúl Gómez García Elementary School of Art, in 2011 where she won prizes in choreographic competitions. In 2017 she joined the Acosta Danza Academy. In 2019, she participated in the performance for the XIII Havana Contemporary Arts Biennial. Upon graduating she joined Acosta Danza in 2022. 

Leandro Fernández

Fernández started training in 2012 at the “José María Heredia y Heredia” Vocational Art School. He was awarded the grand prize and the award for best male performance. In 2017 he joined Acosta Danza Academy. Fernández was a finalist in the international Grand Prix de Lausanne competition in 2020, joining Acosta Danza in 2022. 

Frank Isaac

Isaac began his secondary level studies as a dancer at the National School of Art in 2017. A year later he joined the Acosta Danza Academy. In 2022 he graduated as a professional dancer. Since joining Acosta Danza, he has danced internationally in a number of roles and choreographies.

Melisa Moreda

 
Moreda began her dance studies in 2013 at Alfonso Pérez Isaac Vocational Art School, where she was awarded prizes including Most Outstanding Student in the Ballet and later winning First Prize in Performance at the Matanzas Ballet Festival. That same year she joined the Acosta Danza Academy, joining the founding cast of Acosta Danza Yunior in 2022. 
 

Laura Rodríguez

Rodríguez trained in Cuba. She has danced in leading roles in Swan Lake, La fille mal gardée, Don Quixote, The Dying Swan and most recently Nutcracker as a guest Artist with Birmingham Royal Ballet. In 2015, she joined Acosta Danza and has since danced internationally with the company, also partnering with Carlos Acosta in his On Before tours. 

Jennifer Suárez

Suárez began her dance studies in 2012 regularly participating in competitions in Havana, winning prizes for the best choreography and interpretation. In 2017 she joined the Acosta Danza Academy. In February 2022 Suárez graduated as a professional dancer, joining Acosta Danza and going on to tour internationally.  

Patricia Torres

Torres trained in classical dance in both Cuba and the US winning multiple awards before joining The National Ballet of Cuba. She has performed in repertoire including; Giselle, Swan Lake and Sleeping Beauty, Prologue and Cinderella. In 2019, she joined Acosta Danza and has since danced with the company in Europe, Asia and South America. 

Aymara Vasallo

Graduated from the Alejo Carpentier Ballet Elementary School and the National Ballet School in Havana, Aymara is a retired professional dancer and ballet teacher. She danced at the National Ballet of Cuba under the artistic direction of Alicia Alonso. In May 2017, she graduated with a Degree in Dance Art from the University of the Arts (ISA).

Enrique Corrales

Corrales started training in 2003. After graduating as a dancer and ballet professor, he began working with the Ballet of Camagüey. His repertoire in principal roles includes; Muñecos by Alberto Méndez, Majísimo by Jorge García and more. In 2015, he joined Acosta Danza and has since danced with the company internationally. 

Chay Deivis

Deivis studied at the José María Heredia Vocational School of Art in 2011, joining Acosta Danza Academy in 2017. In 2020 he partook in the 48th edition of the Grand Prix de Lausanne, as part of the Choreographic Project directed by Mauro Bigonzetti. In 2021 won 2nd prize in the International Choreography Contest of the Lizt Alfonso Dance Cuba company with his performance Guernica.

Daniela Francia

Francia began her dance studies age seven and joined the National Ballet of Cuba in 2015. In 2022, she joined Acosta Danza and has since danced with the company internationally. Francia is currently studying for a degree in Dance at the University of the Arts of Cuba. 

Cynthia Laffertté

Laffertté began her dance studies in 2014 at “Alejo Carpentier” Dance School. In 2019 she joined the Acosta Danza Academy, participating in the Stretch Timemonochromes Project, by Isabella Soupart, during the 14th Havana Contemporary Art Biennial in 2021. She graduated in 2023, joining the founding cast of Acosta Danza Yunior. 

Amisaday Naara

Naara began her dance studies in 2011, winning awards in national competitions between 2013-2014. In 2017 she joined the Acosta Danza Academy. In January 2020 she was selected to participate in the Choreographic Project at the Grand Prix de Lausanne. Naara joined Acosta Danza in 2021 and has since danced internationally.

Ofelia Rodríguez

 
Rodríguez started her dance studies at the “Fernando Alonso” National Ballet School in 2013. In 2018 she joined the Acosta Danza Academy, joining Acosta Danza as a cast member for Don Quixote Suite, by Carlos Acosta. Rodríguez graduated in 2022, moving on to join the founding cast of Acosta Danza Yunior. 

Elizabeth Tablada

Tablada began her dance studies in 2012 and was awarded Best Female Performance in a choreographic in her first year. In 2017 she joined the Acosta Danza Academy where she also participated in the Acosta Danza performance for the XIII Havana Contemporary Arts Biennial. After graduating in 2022 Tablada joined the cast of Acosta Danza. 

Verónica Corveas

Corveas started her training at the School of Ballet of Pinar del Río and finished at the National School of Ballet, in Havana. After graduating she began to work with the Ballet Nacional of Cuba as a Principal Dancer and traveled internationally dancing Giselle, Don Quixote, Sleeping Beauty, Swan Lake, Nutcracker and Paquita’s grand pas. She has been a member of Acosta Danza since 2015.

Alexander Varona

Alexander Varona is a Cuban-born multi award winning dancer and choreographer, specialising in contemporary and Afro-Cuban music and dance. He then joined the Cuban National Folkloric Company becoming a principle dancer and choreographer for the company. He won the Critics’ Circle National Dance Award for most outstanding modern and contemporary dancer (2006).

Carlos Acosta

Director and Choreographer

Born in Havana in 1973, Carlos Acosta trained at The National Ballet School of Havana in Cuba. After winning a succession of awards, including 1990’s Prix De Lausanne, Carlos went on to dance professionally with the world’s most prestigious companies, with London’s Royal Ballet becoming his home. Carlos retired from Classical ballet in 2016, after 28 years, having performed almost every classical role from Spartacus to Romeo. Carlos created many award-winning shows throughout his ballet career including Tocororo, Cuban Fable, and ‘Carlos Acosta and Friends of the Royal Ballet’. He also choreographed the Royal Ballet Productions of Don Quixote and Carmen, plus the latest Guys and Dolls production for the West End. Carlos’s extraordinary contribution to dance continues to this day and was recognised in the Queen’s New Year’s Honours List in 2014 when he was awarded a CBE. In 2018 Carlos received the Queen Elizabeth II Coronation Award from The Royal Academy of Dance in recognition of his standing as one of the most influential figures in Dance today. His athleticism, the sheer joy of dancing as well as his tremendous ability to convey emotion, inspired a generation of dancers across the globe.

Nina Dunn for PixelLux

Set and Video Designer

Nina is an award-winning designer who has created work for a wide range of shows internationally. 
Recent Designs Include: Don Quixote and The Nutcracker,  Birmingham Royal Ballet (video design); Lazuli Sky (scenography co-design with Samuel Wyer and video design); The Seven Deadly Sins and Bluebeard’s Castle, Teatro Colón, Argentina (scenography co-design with Samuel Wyer), The Damned United, Red Ladder Theatre (set and video design).

Andrew Exeter

Lighting Designer

Set & Lighting: Oti Mabuse I Am Here – UK Tour (ROYO), Johannes Radebe Freedom, Freedom Unleashed & House of JoJo – UK Tour (ROYO), LIZZIE – UK Tour (Hope Mill Theatre), Police Cops & Oscar @ The Crown (ROYO), Millennials (The Other Palace) & The Bodyguard Musical (Ljubljana Festival Theatre)

Lighting Design: The Way Old Friends Do, Directed by Mark Gatiss – West End & UK Tour (Birmingham REP & James Seabright), Carlos Acosta’s Nutcracker in Havana – Southbank & UK Tour (Norwich Theatre Royal), The Full Monty – UK Tour (Mark Goucher Productions), Bleak Expectations – West End (Anthology), Das Spongebob Musical – German International Tour (Show Slot), The Jungle Book, Bleak Expectations & Whistle Down The Wind (The Watermill), West Side Story – Ljubljana (Ljubljana Festival) & Pantomimes for Crossroads Pantomimes.

Set Design:  The Creakers (Theatre Royal Plymouth & Southbank Centre London), Lady Chatterley’s Lover - Shaftesbury Theatre (West End) & Pinocchio (Michael Harrison for Crossroads Pantomimes).

Future Designs:  A Christmas Carol – Lowry (Hope Mill Productions)The Little Mermaid – Theatre Royal Newcastle (Michael Harrison for Crossroads Pantomimes), Aladdin – Everyman Cheltenham (Mark Goucher Productions).

Angelo Alberto

Costume Designer

Fashion and costume designer Angelo Alberto was born in Curacao. After studying as a tailor at the Holtland College Technical School in Leiden, he studied Fashion design at the Utrecht University of the Arts until 1997. In 1998, Angelo Alberto completed a two-year assistantship for the haute couture collection of Edgar Vos Couture in Amsterdam. Since 2007 he’s worked as a costume designer creating costumes for Ballets like Sleeping Beauty, Romeo & Juliet, Sacre, Cinderella, Carmen, Don Quixote, Eugene Onegin, Othello, Giselle and Satori. Working with Choreographers like, Itzik Galili, Emily Molnar, Kevin O’day, Mauro Bigonzetti, Yaroslav Ivanenko, Goyo Montero, Amilcar Moret Gonzales, Raul Reinoso, to mention a few.

Pepe Gavilondo Peón

Composer/Arranger

José Víctor (Pepe) Gavilondo Peón is a Cuban composer, pianist, keyboard player, improviser, producer, music director and visual creator. His creative catalogue holds over a dozen works for film, twenty for dance and more than 25 contemporary music original pieces, some of which have been performed by famous musicians and ensembles. Since 2014 he has been the main keyboard player at Latin-Grammy-Award-winning band Sintesis.. He is also a Specialist in Classical Music at Havana´s contemporary arts venue, Fábrica de Arte Cubano. He has composed music for award-winning films, documentaries, and short films as well as for seven choreographed works of Acosta Danza. 

Yasel Muñoz

Composer/Arranger

Yasel Muñoz is an emerging flutist, multi-instrumentalist, composer, arranger and producer base on Havana, Cuba. He is a member of the AHS (Asociación Hermanos Saíz) and ACDAM. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Flute and Ensemble Practices and a Bachelor’s degree in Musical Composition from the University of the Arts (ISA) in Havana. Yasel has led several projects with his music and has collaborated with a grand variety of artists. Including his albums “EIH-Studio Session”, “El Camino del Diamante” under the Colibrí label, in co-production with renowned producer Gloria Ochoa and “Oda al Plagio”.

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