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Eric Pinto Cata has been with the Company since 2021, and in that time has performed many roles ranging from Carlos Acosta's Don Quixote to Miguel Altunaga's City of a Thousand Trades.
With three stops down, and two left to go, how's the BRB2 tour going so far?
Eric: The BRB2 tour is going well, we’ve received such a lovely reception, all the audiences from each venue have been so welcoming, and watching all my friends and colleagues grow and produce stronger performances each time in these few weeks alone has been inspiring to watch and be a part of.
Image: Eric performing La Sylphide (2023) on BRB2's inaugural tour. © Johan Persson.
What is your favourite thing about performing?
Eric: I would probably say my favourite part of performing is being fully present in a performance. I enjoy the few minutes before a performance, where I like to have even a few seconds before going on stage where I can centre myself. It's live art, so for me, nothing beats being in that moment.
Image: (left to right) Gus Payne, Riku Ito and Eric performing in Hotel (2022). © Johan Persson.
Eric’s considerable dramatic qualities, sensitivity to the music and partnering skills are abundantly clear in Carmen. In La Sylphide he demonstrates an ease with the considerable technical demands of the Bournonville style, making his jumps and leaps appear effortless.BRB Director, Carlos Acosta
You were described by The Guardian in their review as 'one to watch', what's your reaction to that?
Eric: I am really flattered to be considered in that way. It is always encouraging when a performance is well received. I can only continue to work and do my best to be able to fulfill that.
Image: Eric performing in Interlinked (2022). © Tristram Kenton.
What's your dream ballet role?
Eric: My dream role is constantly changing as I continue to be inspired by different performances. I love the roles based on real people, as you are able to vicariously experience someone else's narrative while being able to tap into your own experiences. Lensky from John Cranko’s Onegin has always been on my list for that reason.
Image: Eric performing in The Nutcracker (2022). © Bill Cooper.
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What's in the future for you in your ballet career?
Who knows what’s in store for the future? I hope that I am able to progress both artistically and technically, in whatever way, shape, or form that may take!
Image: Eric in a photoshoot (2022). © Johan Persson.
Your performance of La Sylphide was described by The Telegraph as a 'highlight of the first half'. What's your favourite thing about performing La Sylphide?
Eric: For La Sylphide, it has to be the style. The Bournonville style is one of the oldest styles in the repertoire and requires so much attention to its stylistic nuances. What I found so special about this style is that the technique gives itself a sense of freedom or lightness to perform which is really enjoyable to dance despite the very challenging technicality of it.
While I was at The Royal Ballet School, I was fortunate enough to be coached by teachers from the Royal Danish Ballet School on two Bournonville ballets (Le Conservatoire and Napoli pas de six), which I found really beneficial to refer back to this time round.
The talents of Royal Ballet School graduate Eric Pinto Cata can be seen in the repertoire of the current BRB2 tour, including the pas de deux from my production of Carmen, and as James in the pas de deux from La Sylphide.BRB Director Carlos Acosta
