BALLET BLACK AT 25

The double bill features … ALL TOWARDS HOPE, a joyful new commission by two-time Bessie Award winner Hope Boykin. Inspired by her own personal experiences, she has created a vibrant tribute to the ensemble’s history to mark Ballet Black’s 25th anniversary—and offers a glimpse into its future.

Hope is a sense of what one desires and what one can achieve. Hope is the act of trusting and looking ahead with confidence. Hope is what we need. The choreographer describes the meaning of her work: “Like most of us, I live in a community of people with different opinions, different perspectives, and shifting emotions. Finding the courage to step back, pause, and reflect does not weaken me; rather, it strengthens my spirit and makes me fearless—fearless to take action, to stand up for myself, to make decisions, to hope, and to love.”

In the second part of the evening, you’ll experience *INGOMA*, the debut work by former ensemble member Mthuthuzeli November. Inspired by the 1946 South African miners’ strike—a precursor to the anti-apartheid movement—*INGOMA* captures the suffering and resilience of Black miners and their communities. The work won both the 2020 Olivier Award and the Black British Theatre Award for Best Dance Production.

Ballet Black was founded in 2001 by Cassa Pancho OBE and is the first professional neoclassical ballet company for Black dancers in the United Kingdom and Europe. The company was launched with the visionary idea of transforming classical ballet, rather than merely following trends. This is reflected in Pancho’s powerful motto, “Change Not Trend.” This motto not only supports the company’s mission to showcase diversity on stage and promote inclusion for Black and Asian dancers, but also aims to create change behind the scenes and in the audience demographics. Over the past two decades, Ballet Black has become a central force that has profoundly transformed the British ballet landscape. It has performed at over 100 venues and attracted the most diverse audience for classical ballet in the United Kingdom. Since its founding, Cassa has personally commissioned over 70 new works and has actively supported female choreographers early in their careers, discovering new talent and promoting existing choreographic talent.

balletblack.co.uk

Cast:

Choreography: Hope Boykin, Mthuthuzeli November

Lighting: David Plater; Costumes: Yann Seabra, Jessica Cabassa

Music: Peter Johnson, Mthuthuzeli November, Bill Laurance