Carlos Acosta

Carlos Acosta was the most acclaimed ballet dancer of his generation, taking starring roles around the world. His journey from the streets of Havana - where he grew up poor, the youngest of 11 children - to becoming principal male dancer of the Royal Ballet in London is the stuff of legend. Now he passes on his experience to the dancers of the Birmingham Royal Ballet, where he is artistic director. Susan Marling joins Carlos as he rehearses a new and challenging production of Don Quixote with the company. How has he made the transition from dancer to director, and how has he kept the life and energy of the company through the long dark months of the pandemic?