Acosta Danza, the internationally acclaimed dance company under the artistic direction of Carlos Acosta, is set to return to London this autumn with a bold new double bill. Titled Cuban Baroque, the production will run at Sadler’s Wells Theatre from Thursday 7 to Saturday 10 October 2026. The new showcase promises to masterfully blend the opulent artistry of the traditional Baroque period with the infectious energy, creativity, and punchy vibrancy of contemporary Cuban dance styles.
The evening opens with the highly anticipated world premiere of Pearls, a new commission by choreographer Andonis Foniadakis. The piece deeply explores the classic chaconne looping structure, guideing audiences through kinetic phases of acceleration, fracture, and physical rebound. Set to the moving chords of Esteban Sallas’ Salve Regina, the accompanying musical score shifts smoothly from traditional Baroque lyricism into a driving Cuban rhythm, highlighting a striking fusion between historical memory and modern movement.
Closing out the ambitious programme is Goyo Montero’s powerful ensemble piece, Chacona. Originally created for the Staatstheater Nürnberg Ballett during Montero’s celebrated seventeen-year tenure as director, the work is set to the final movement of Bach’s Partita No. 2 in D Minor for violin. For these performances, the intricate score will be brought to life by live guitar and piano. Classical in its audio soundscape yet fiercely contemporary in its movement, the demanding piece features a sixteen-dancer ensemble moving in complete physical cohesion.
Founded by Carlos Acosta in 2015, the Sadler’s Wells International Associate Company is dedicated to developing exceptional young dance talent emerging from Cuba. The troupe's unique ethos combines rich domestic musical influences with both classical and contemporary genres to push conventional boundaries.
Following its initial premiere at York Theatre Royal in early October, Cuban Baroque will make its spectacular London debut before travelling to the Norwich Theatre Royal later in the month, ahead of a wider national spring tour.
