Carlos Acosta on his new plans for the Birmingham Royal Ballet

One of dance's brightest stars, Carlos Acosta, has unveiled his new programme as Director of the Birmingham Royal Ballet. His first season will mix new works with the classics, and see him perform on stage with the Italian prima ballerina Alessandra Ferri.

Acosta is the son of a Cuban lorry driver who hated ballet at first and rose to be the Principal Guest Artist of the Royal Ballet.

Paddy O'Connell met him in Birmingham where the dancer spoke about his new job, his injured foot, and his disdain for mobile phones at rehearsals.

(Photo: Carolos Acosta. Credit: Getty Images)