Inaugural Carlos Acosta Easter Camp takes aspiring ballet dancers on a journey to Cuba
Image: (c) Miguel Altunaga
INAUGURAL CARLOS ACOSTA EASTER CAMP TAKES ASPIRING YOUNG BALLET DANCERS ON A JOURNEY TO CUBA
Open to ballet students aged 12 to 18, the new Easter intensive takes place 7 to 12 April at London’s Acosta Dance Centre
Young dancers can experience the best in classical and contemporary ballet training along with Cuban dance technique in an exciting new Easter holiday programme taking place 7 to 12 April at the spectacular Acosta Dance Centre in South London.
The inaugural Carlos Acosta Easter Camp (CAEC) is a week-long intensive for aspiring dancers aged 12 to 18 which offers a unique perspective on professional dance training within Carlos Acosta’s growing curriculum. Held at the Acosta Dance Centre in London and running from 7 to 12 April, the holiday course will immerse young dancers in a rich ballet programme that includes daily classes, pointe work, boys’ coaching, contemporary repertoire and pilates, as well as técnica cubana and Cuban folklore.
The CAEC is an opportunity for the dancers to train in an exceptional dance facility in South London while refining their ballet technique and artistry within a brilliantly inspiring and inclusive environment.
The Cuban classes are spearheaded by Luanda Pau, a master of Cuban folkloric dances who comes from a legendary dance family in Cuba. Born in Havana, Pau graduated from the National School of Art of Cuba in 1994. She was a soloist of the Conjunto Folklorico Nacional de Cuba and has 17 years of experience as a teacher and choreographer of Afro-Cuban dances working in Europe, America and Africa. She works within a growing community of people accessing, participating and learning about Afro-Cuban arts in London and beyond.
At both the original Acosta Danza Academy in Cuba and the new Acosta Dance Centre in the UK, folkloric dance is incorporated to develop dancers’ strength, rhythm, and versatility. Alongside classical ballet training, which often emphasises lightness and verticality, Cuban folkloric movement is deeply connected to the earth, encouraging a sense of dynamic power, coordination and expressiveness in building artistic stage presence. Mastering folkloric dance not only builds technical proficiency but also broadens dancers’ perspectives on movement, reinforcing Acosta’s philosophy of well-rounded training. The high-energy, communal nature of these dances fosters confidence and musicality while adding an element of joy and freedom to the learning process.
Carlos Acosta, Founder of the Acosta Dance Foundation, says, "I hope to inspire the next generation to push boundaries in dance training and embrace their potential while celebrating the richness of diverse dance traditions of my country.”
Javier Torres, Managing Director of the Acosta Dance Foundation, says, “The new Easter Camp is a gateway to innovation, resilience and self-expression, offering the best of dance with a sprinkle of Cuban spice.”
Bookings are open now. Please visit the website.
CARLOS ACOSTA EASTER CAMP
Entry Requirements:
The course is open to students aged 12 to 18 with a minimum Intermediate Foundation Level or equivalent in ballet. Custom groups will be formed based on age and training level/experience.
Costs:
£450 including VAT and £15 application fee
Timings/location:
10am – 4pm daily (7-12 April 2025) at the Acosta Dance Centre at the Royal Arsenal, Woolwich.
Further information: https://acostadancecentre.com/easter-camp-2025/
About Acosta Dance Foundation:
Acosta Dance Foundation was established in 2011 by the iconic dancer and artistic director Carlos Acosta, Inspired by his own life experience, which took him from a disadvantaged neighbourhood of Havana to becoming one of the most talented dancers of his generation, the foundation embraces Acosta's artistic vision, blending Caribbean and Cuban influences with classical ballet. Through its diverse range of programmes and initiatives, Acosta Dance Foundation aims to inspire, educate, and transform lives through the power of dance.
About Acosta Dance Centre:
The Acosta Dance Centre opened in September 2023 and delivers a public programme of courses and classes whilst also acting as a gathering place and artistic space for dancers, industry professionals and the community. Its programmes of education and community work includes activities for local schools, dance classes for the public and Acosta Ballet Camps for budding young ballet dancers to receive intensive training.
Image: (c) Miguel Altunaga