Oliver Conway

So what will he decide to do now?

Will he try and come closer to her or will he stand his ground and mock her again?

And that was Sylvia Costello.

Carlos Acosta is one of the most influential figures in contemporary ballet, having danced with some of the world's best companies.

Three years ago, the Cuban star created a training programme for young dancers as part of his academy in Havana.

The aim is to promote the next generation of Cuban performers.

Despite the increasing economic and political turmoil on the communist island, the youth group is currently touring a new showcase in the UK, which touches on some of those themes.

Isabella Jewell went to meet them.

There has been throughout the recent history a lot of exodus from the island and even recently as well we have experienced exodus, massive exodus from Cuba.

So I think Susana Pons, the choreographer, wanted to tackle that theme that always has been at the heart of the Cuban diaspora.

Carlos Acosta's young dancers are putting in some last-minute practice before a week of dance performances at Sadler's Wells East in London.

This dance is called Fua and touches upon a difficult reality for many Cubans, emigration.

While official figures on this haven't been released by the government, Cuban economist Juan Carlos Albuzo Campos estimates that the island's population fell by 18% between 2022 and 2023.

And the situation on the island is getting worse.

A fuel crisis due to the US blockade is causing regular blackouts and the collapse of Cuba's tourism industry.

So how does Acosta Dancer keep going?

That's a major operation, but we try to do absolutely the best we can so that still these dancers can carry on having a future in dance in general and don't be distracted by what's going on in Cuba at the moment.

I think we are very resilient and we also see our artistry as a refuge.

So long as there is a place to dance and there is a sort of like a family vibe where we protect each other, we keep them motivated and keep their careers going.

Heidi Nunes is one of the principal dancers in the Next Generation Showcase.