York Theatre Royal – Thursday 1st October 2026
Reviewed by Michelle Richardson
4****
On Thursday evening I had the pleasure of attending York Theatre Royal for Acosta Danza’s new double bill, Cuban Baroque. It fuses Baroque opulence with the energy and vibrancy of Cuban dance.
The show opens with the premiere of Andonis Foniadakis’ Pearls. Set to a live performance of Esteban Sallas’s “Salve Regina”, the score shifts from Baroque lyricism to Cuban drive.
The stage is dimly lit, lighting by Nicholas Fischtel, with thin lines lighting up the floor, which moves during the performance. For this first piece up ten dancers adorn the stage at any one time. Their costumes, designed by Anastasios Tassos Sofronou, share a rich burgundy base, varied by removing layers or adding a skirt, shorts or trousers, often overlaid with organza.
Pearls is a vibrant and energetic piece of contemporary dance, with a smidge of classical thrown in. It has heart, through the dancers use of movement and the intense score by Julien Tarride. Their steps were joyous and frantic, but also precise and controlled, as they were swept away in the charismatic and uplifting Cuban beat. The fluidity in movement and remarkable extensions, are a sight to behold. This piece is truly stunning and mesmerising to watch, especially when the ensemble are so in synch, moving in perfect unison.
In contrast, the second piece Chacona is more classical in its interpretation, slower in pace, built around the music of Bach. Choregraphed by Goyo Montero, who also is involved in costume and lighting designs, along with costume, Verena Hemmerlein and lighting, Nicholas Fischtel.
Chacona sees twelves dancers, dressed in black, accompanied on stage by three talented musicians, Pepe Gavilondo, Maria Lusson and Adrain Aguiar. You notice every detail of the movement, from duets to ensemble passages. A standout moment comes when the dancers surge across the stage like a tidal wave, their bodies forming spider-like shapes. Once again, the ensemble’s cohesion is flawless.
Cuban Baroque is a vibrant and energetic dance performance. The dancers showed great strength, poise and stamina. Acosta Danza’s company have delivered an evening of captivating dance and music. It was great to see the theatre packed out and though out the show you could have heard a pin drop, everyone was just so absorbed.