Click on a thumbnail to go to Google Books.
|
Loading... No Way Home: A Dancer's Journey from the Streets of Havana to the Stages of the Worldby Carlos Acosta
   None No current Talk conversations about this book.   ) briealeida | Feb 6, 2014 |  I’m really torn on this book, because I really, desperately, want to admire what Carlos Acosta, and his family, sacrificed for him to achieve his status in the world today. I think what makes it hard to fully admire this is because the hard work is so downplayed in this memoir, and instead, the delinquency, the disrespect for his parents, the disregard for the world of ballet is brought to the forefront, cheapening the effect of what could have been a very, very powerful story. So, rather than focus on the work, on detailing the hours of sweat, speaking of the performances and the struggles within the world of ballet, Carlos Acosta instead, focuses solely on the struggles in his outer world. Now, granted, they were struggles no one should have to deal with. His family frequently was in need of food, and Cuba is definitely not a paradise on earth. His descriptions of his hometown, and the nature surrounding it were lush and I felt like I could envision what he was trying to paint for me … but then he would move back to these, semi-dramatic moments that just distracted from the story. The other issue I had with the story is the massive rise of ego – from virtually nothing at the beginning until I felt like I was being choked with it at the end. That could be his youth (he was only 25 at the time of this memoir), but it left me with a distaste for the person he’d become. I’d only recommend this book if you are a fan, or a ballet enthusiast. Otherwise, pass this memoir by and go read his Wikipedia entry. (  ) TheLostEntwife | Jan 22, 2012 | nlezak | Dec 18, 2008 | no reviews | add a review
The rags-to-riches story of one of the world's greatest dancers, from his difficult beginnings 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 nuture 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 a cost - here, in his own words, is the story of the price he paid. No library descriptions found. |
Current DiscussionsNonePopular covers
 Google Books — Loading...GenresMelvil Decimal System (DDC)792.8028092The arts Recreational and performing arts Stage presentations, Theatre Ballet and modern dance Techniques, procedures, apparatus, equipment, materials, miscellany Acting and performanceLC ClassificationRatingAverage: (3.14)
Is this you?Become a LibraryThing Author. |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Wikipedia in English
1