Lowry Theatre Salford, 28 January 2025
Nutcracker in Havana was one of the best dance performances I have seen in a long time – an unforgettable classical ballet, with modern style and a Cuban theme.
It sets the traditional Nutcracker in Havana, where the magician uncle of a poor family transforms their humble dwelling into a luxury mansion and transports their daughter Clara to a magical world inhabited by exotic dancers.
The show contains many symbolic references to Cuban life: from classic cars to clogs, vibrant clothes to beer-can tree decorations, even Mambises soldiers battling with lifesize rats in reference to the Cuban soldiers who valiantly fought for independence from Spain.
Tchaikovsky’s original score is updated to embrace Cuban and African rhythms, electric guitar and flute by Pepe Gavilondo Peón. A lavish set and costumes are complemented by video and projections.
Most importantly – it is performed by an all-Cuban cast.
Acosta Danza is a Cuban dance company based in Havana, established by Carlos Acosta in 2015. Carlos was born in Havana and trained and performed with the Cuban National Ballet before dancing internationally, then becoming principal dancer for the Royal Ballet in London.
Carlos created Acosta Danza just prior to his retirement as a performing dancer to support the development of blossoming creative dance talent in Cuba. The company is wholly composed of Cuban performers, all of whom trained in Cuban dance schools, and often completing their studies in the Acosta Dance Academy which he established at the same time.
The company first performed in Havana’s Gran Teatro Alicia Alonso and now tours internationally, bringing Cuban dance and ballet to international audiences. It often performs in the UK, having a close association with Norwich Theatre and its UK-based partner Valid Productions.
Carlos Acosta is also currently director of the Birmingham Royal Ballet, and founder of the Acosta Dance Centre in Woolwich, London, which was established in 2023.
This was the penultimate show in a three-month winter tour visiting a total of nine London and provincial theatres.
The performance was a delight. Anyone interested in dance should look out for future Acosta Danza performances. You won’t be disappointed!
Linda Perks, Leeds for CubaSi magazine Spring 2025
Carlos Acosta’s ‘Nutcracker in Havana’ is set to return to UK theatres in 2026. Look out for dates.
UK tour dates and links to book for 2025-2026 so far are here
Cuba 50 
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