Product Description

The rags-to-riches story of one of the world's greatest dancers, from his difficult childhood, living in poverty in the backstreets of Cuba, to his astronomical rise to international stardom. In 1980, Carlos Acosta was just another Cuban kid of humble origins, the youngest son in a poor family named after the planter who had owned his great-great-grandfather. With few options and an independent spirit, Carlos spent his days on the streets, dreaming of a career in football. But even at a young age, Carlos had extraordinary talent. At nine, he was skipping school to win break-dancing competitions as the youngest member of a street-gang for whom dance contests were only a step away from violence. When Carlos's father enrolled him in ballet school, he hoped not only to nurture his son's talent, but also to curb his wildness. Years of loneliness, conflict and crippling physical effort followed, but today the Havana street-kid is an international star. This magical memoir is about more than Carlos's rise to stardom, however. It is the story of a childhood where food is scarce but love is abundant, where the soul of Cuba comes alive to influence a dancer's art. It is also about a man forced to leave behind his homeland and loved ones for a life of self-discipline, displacement and brutal physical hardship. Carlos Acosta makes dance look effortless, but the grace, strength and charm have come at a cost -- here, in his own words, is the story of the price he paid.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #80413 in Books
• Published on: 2007-10-01
• Original language: English
• Binding: Hardcover
• 319 pages

Review
'Carlos Acosta's trajectory from street urchin to superstar is another astonishing example of the transcendent power of dance. In 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

Daily Mail
'His fascinating recollections suggest Acosta is a tormented genius.'

Financial Times
'All the hallmarks of a bestseller...Acosta's voice is instantly likeable.'

Customer Reviews

Vibrant and dazzling
Carlos Acosta's memoir is as vibrant and dazzling as his dancing. Telling the story of his incredible journey from breakdancing urchin on the streets of Havana to prince at the Royal Opera House, this is much more than a book about ballet, it is the lyrical and moving tale of a boy's gift, his father's ambition, and the price he pays for fame. With sensual descriptions that evoke the scents and rhythms of Havana, at times, the book feels more like a magical realist novel than an autobiography. Sometimes funny, sometimes heartbreaking, always charming - a totally engrossing read.

Really enjoyed this book ...
This is a very inspiring story for anyone, whether you are a ballet fan or not, from his childhood stories set in Havana to his loneliness & struggles later in life, it is interesting & endearing, I could not put the book down, it is written very well, and I would certainly recommend this book.

A fun little page turner, even if you don't like ballet and don't know who he is
Interesting, page turning and amusing. I knew little of Acosta before I read this book and I'm not sure that I know that much about him now, except that he's straight, very very straight - who knew that a dancers greatest concern is not becoming too aroused with their partners?! (He's very keen to reassure readers that he likes women, not men, no homosexuality here thank you very much! Which is part of the fun of the book.) Acosta comes across as a likeable scamp whose modesty is, I suspect, a relatively new addition to his personality. As with many autobiographies what is left out is often as revealing as what's included. He's led an extremely interesting life, a cuban ballet dancer from a tough background who wanted nothing more than to be a footballer... to tell you more would be to ruin the fun and you don't need to be a ballet enthusiast or an Acosta enthusiast to enjoy this, I certainly wasn't when I read it, but I will be looking him up on a stage near me soon.