London Met honours celebrated dancer Carlos Acosta

Celebrated Cuban dancer, Carlos Acosta, receives an honorary London Metropolitan University Doctor of Letters from Sir John Carter

Renowned Cuban dancer and choreographer, Carlos Acosta, is the latest recipient of a London Metropolitan University honorary award.

Carlos was awarded a Doctor of Letters earlier today during the University's Health and Human Sciences and Psychology graduation ceremonies held at the Barbican Centre.

Upon receiving his degree, Carlos said the experience would inspire him to work harder and become better throughout his professional life.

'I am so honoured to be given this award,' Costa said. 'Although I have received many awards and accolades in my life, I never imagined I would ever receive a degree.'

'I am particularly pleased to receive this award from London Met as they have been so supportive of and active in Cuba.'

The son of a Cuban truck-driver, Carlos Acosta's life is the original inspirational rags-to-riches story. One of 11 children, Carlos was born in 1973 and grew up in a cramped Havana apartment, regularly playing truant from school. He became a champion break-dancer and, although he dreamed of becoming a footballer, Carlos' father sent him to ballet school at nine-years of age.

Carlos' extraordinary natural talent as a dancer was quickly recognised and he went on to study at the National Ballet School of Cuba, achieving world acclaim by the age of 17. In June 1991, Carlos received his diploma with maximum qualifications and a gold medal. He has since performed all over the world with a number of top international dance companies including the National Ballet of Cuba, the Houston Ballet, The Royal Ballet in Covent Garden, and the American Ballet Theatre.

In June this year, in perhaps his greatest experience so far, Carlos danced for the Queen in the Royal Gala, which celebrated the 75th Anniversary of the Royal Ballet

Carlos has won numerous awards ranging from the Gold Medal at the Prix de Lausanne, the Grand Prix at the 4th biennial Concours International de Danse de Paris, the Vignale Danza Prize in Italy, the Frederic Chopin Prize, The Prize for Merit in the Young Talent Competition, Positano, Italy, the Grand Prix at Cuba''s prestigious Union of Writers and Artists (UNEAC) competition and a Dance Fellowship from the Princess Grace Foundation, USA.

His most recent accolade was the 2003 National Dance Award from the UK Critics'' Circle, and his nomination for an Olivier Award in 2004.

Carlos returned last month to the Royal Ballet for their 2006/07 Season following performances with the CNB in Lisbon and at the Havana Festival In October.

4 December 2006

Communications and PR Office