Biography
BIO
As a passionate, innovative, academic & dynamic cultural manager, Javier brings considerable leadership skills. Born in Cuba, he is considered one of the best dancers of his generation. His 22 years of dance career took him to captivating audiences in over 29 countries across the Americas, Europe, and Asia.
In addition to his cultural manager experience, Javier is a producer and artists’ representative, collaborating with established dance stars, companies and choreographers globally. He is also the founder and CEO of We Dance Agency, an organization committed to representing top-tier dancers & choreographers and supporting dancers globally through business consultancy while promoting a culture of peace through dance diplomacy. Javier is the co-creator/director, and promoter of the “Alafia” Afro-Cuban Dance Festival, the largest event of its kind in the UK, dedicated to showcasing and celebrating Afro-Cuban traditions and culture.
As of 2024, Javier serves as the Managing Director of the Carlos Acosta Dance Foundation and the Acosta Dance Centre in London, where he continues to inspire and shape the future of dance.
ACADEMIC RESEARCH AND DANCE DIPLOMACY
ACADEMIC RESEARCH AND DANCE DIPLOMACY
Javier Torres is an academic researcher who, through his Master’s in Business Administration, has conducted significant studies in the realm of dance company leadership and young dancer’s adaptability. One of his key research projects, titled “Behind an Artistic Director Role – A Grounded Theory of Dance Company Leaders’ Management and Leadership Styles,” explores the evolving context of dance companies within the framework of business principles and investigates why Artistic Directors often lack formal training in business, management, leadership, psychology, or academic education. With this research, Javier aimed to foster entrepreneurial attitudes and broader connections beyond business & dance.
Additionally, Javier has delved into issues of adaptability and trainability in young dancers, emphasizing the importance of versatile training programmes for young artists in the UK.
Javier holds a UNITAR-ICD Executive Diploma in Cultural Diplomacy, International Relations, and Global Governance. He leverages his experience to promote and share the rich Cuban and Latin American dance cultures with the world. His work aims to integrate the Cuban dance curriculum internationally, fostering cross-cultural understanding and appreciation through dance diplomacy.
Performing Arts Management
PERFORMING ARTS MANAGEMENT
Javier Torres brings a wealth of expertise in performing arts management, excelling in both public and private sectors. As the Head of the Carlos Acosta Dance Foundation and Acosta Dance Centre in London, he plays a pivotal role in redefining the UK’s dance landscape, positioning the institutions as key cultural hubs.
In his capacity as Vice Chairman of Serendipity UK, Javier advises and supports the organisation in amplifying the voices of the African and African Caribbean Diaspora through artistic initiatives like the Let’s Dance International Frontiers (LDIF) festival & Black History Month Leicester. He helps shape the organisation’s efforts in documenting Black arts, nurturing new work, and fostering cross-cultural understanding through collaborations with artists, venues, and institutions.
In his capacity as Manager, he has closely collaborated with some of the most prestigious companies globally, including Paris Opera, Teatro Colón in Argentina, Greek Opera, Les Grands Ballets Canadiens, Sofia Opera and Ballet, and Opera Roma, among many others.
As a producer, Javier has played a pivotal role in shaping the artistic direction of major international galas, including Ballet Icons in London and Osiel Gouneo and Friends. His work bridges artistic excellence with innovative programming, fostering international collaborations that celebrate and elevate dance across the globe.
He is the co-founder and director of the Alafia Festival, the UK’s largest Afro-Cuban dance festival, which fosters intercultural dialogue and celebrates the rich diversity of dance.
Torres is a fellow of the Royal Society of Arts (FRSA) and a member of the Creative UK Advisory Council, Javier also serves as a Board Member of the Acosta Dance Foundation and is an active member of the International Dance Council (CID) | UNESCO. His work continues to bridge artistic leadership and cultural diplomacy on both national and international stages.
EDUCATION
EDUCATION
- Elementary Ballet School “Alejo Carpentier”: Graduated in Havana, Cuba – (1997).
- National Ballet School of Havana: Graduated with honors as a ballet dancer and ballet teacher – (2000).
- Clore Leadership: Emerging Leaders program – (2019).
- Dance East – Ipswich: Rural Retreat, Emerging Leaders program – (2020).
- The Open University: BA (Hons) in Business Management and Leadership – (2020)
- Cumbria University: Master in Business Administration (MBA) – (2022).
- United Nations Institute for Training and Research UNITAR & Center for Cultural Diplomacy Studies (CCDS): Executive Diploma in Cultural Diplomacy, International Relations & Global Governance – (2024).
Cross-Cultural Network
Cross-Cultural Network
As a passionate advocate for global connection through dance and the arts, Javier Torres is deeply involved in several international dance networks. Through his leadership in cultural diplomacy and dance, he works to foster cross-cultural exchange and collaboration across borders, leveraging his global network to create meaningful connections and opportunities for artists worldwide. His work continues to strengthen the role of dance as a tool for global understanding and cultural diplomacy.