Yuli by Carlos Acosta

Yuli by Carlos Acosta

‘Carlos Acosta's trajectory from street urchin to superstar is another astonishing example of the transcendent power of danceIn this brutally honest account of his struggle to reconcile two conflicting worlds, we discover the source of inner conflict that has alchemized into passionate intensity on stage and made him one of ballet's most thrillingly charismatic performers.’ Julie Kavanagh

‘Warm and funny.’ The Economist

‘The dazzling Carlos Acosta is the Cuban Billy Elliot, a poor kid who triumphed over prejudice and humble origins … Frankly, you couldn't make it up … The crippling physical effort of becoming a ballet dancer, the slog, the agony of injuries, the rivalries and bitchiness are vividly evoked in Acosta's fascinating story.’ Daily Mail

'The life of the ballet dancer Carlos Acosta has all the hallmarks of a bestseller…in “No Way Home” Acosta's voice is instantly likeable, and you follow his discovery of the trappings of the west and his quest to make his name at the Royal Ballet with a mixture of wonder, respect and, crucially, affection.'

‘From the atmospheric depiction of his poor childhood in Havana to his domination of the world of dance, this is a truly inspiring tale.’ Sunday Telegraph

Carlos Acosta was born in Cuba in 1973. He started dancing when he was nine. From 1989 to 1991 he performed throughout the world, guesting with companies including the Compagnia Teatro Nuovo di Torino in Italy. In 1992, he was made a member of the National Ballet of Cuba, becoming Principal Dancer in 1994. In 1993, he was invited to join the Houston Ballet company and in 1998 became the first black principal dancer at The Royal Ballet, Covent Garden, where he remains as Principal Guest Artist. Over the years, Carlos has appeared as an international guest artist in the USA, Russia, Holland, Chile, Argentina, Greece, Japan, Italy, Germany and France.

In 2003, Carlos was featured in ‘The Reluctant Ballet Dancer’, a programme in the Imagine series shown on BBC1.