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London is at risk of losing its brightest young artistic performers because of “ridiculous” visa rules that threaten the capital’s status as a cultural superpower, the head of the English National Ballet has warned.

Tamara Rojo, the ENB’s artistic director, said top performers such as 23-year-old Cuban Yonha Acosta, hailed as one of the world’s most dazzling dance talents, may have to quit London because of the new visa system.

Mr Acosta, nephew of the international star Carlos Acosta, has a work visa that is due for renewal at the end of the month.

Ms Rojo, who was speaking last night at the “Making London Greater” debate hosted by the Standard and Google, said the “points based” immigration system was making it “more difficult to offer jobs to very talented artists from around the world.”