Renowned Cuban dancer, Carlos Acosta, bid farewell to the Royal Ballet this week with a performance of his recently premiered choreographic piece, Carmen.

Following his closing performance at the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, in London, on a stage full of roses and visibly moved, Acosta said goodbye to an audience which, for 17 years, gave the famous Cuban dancer standing ovations as a principal with the British ballet company. After thanking his family and friends, the artist urged young dancers not to be afraid of making mistakes, asked them to be curious and enjoy life without wasting a single moment.

Following this farewell season, Carlos Acosta has announced he will focus on Acosta Danza, the company he’s just set up in Havana and with which he will develop a neoclassical and contemporary line during performances that showcase Cuba as a country of dance tradition and in line with the most contemporary art tendencies.