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Description: Carlos Acosta is joined by Cuba's Contemporary Dance Company in a mixed programme of modern works from the Caribbean island, and Tocororo Suite, a version of Acosta's own full-length autobiographical work.
Trains: Tube: Angel 
Phone: 0844412 4300
Website: www.sadlerswells.com
Cuba libra: Victor Gili, Carlos Acosta and Jose Losada linking steps between themed pieces and mini ballets
You wouldn't think an audience would turn on Carlos Acosta, but halfway through his show at Sadler's Wells last night you half thought they might.
The short programme (in at 7.30pm, out at 9.0pm) features four mini ballets, three by the little-known Cuban dance maker Alberto Méndez, plus the eye-popping duet from Le Corsaire.
There were eight ring-ding dancers from the Ballet Nacional de Cuba, including Acosta himself, and even a small band.
Despite this promising line-up, things unravelled right away. With a 20-minute interval, there is only an hour of dancing, and, excepting the Corsaire duet, it looked both slight and immature. Not that Acosta did much to help. Méndez's ballets are short, so Acosta has added a padding narrative that makes them the romantic longings of a modern-day Miss whose boyfriend has intimacy issues.
The evening starts with the pair (Yolanda Correa and Javier Torres) falling out. He storms off, and she reads in a bed which is then hoiked high over the stage.
On come Acosta and Anette Delgado to dance the first ballet about dolls. There's a pretty girl (think Coppélia) and a soldier (think The Nutcracker) who come to life, only not at the same time, leading to romantic muddle that mirrors the couples' own. You can't fault the dancers, although the cutesy moves and panto tone are easy targets.
After more linking steps comes an African-themed piece, then more links, and then a ballet that spoofs ballet itself. None was fresh or original.
Acosta's performance in Le Corsaire was fabulous. However, it is barely 10 minutes, and even hardcore Acosta fans, which is everyone, want more than that when they buy a ticket.
• Until 28 October. Information: 0844 412 4300, www.sadlerswells.com.
Details are correct at the time of publication - please check with venue before booking.
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Incredibly disappointing. Le Corsaire duet - Acosta was as expected, amazing but the rest of the evening was just a bit let down! The "spoof" ballet was just awful.
- Sue Richards, London UK
A rather disappointing evening, not merely due to the brevity of the performance. Yes, the few moments from Le Corsaire were wonderful and Acosta was superb in it, but the standard of dancing in the first half of the show was distinctly ragged and the rest banal. The comic ballet was well below the standard of the Trocs.
- Warren Alexander, London, UK
