Celebrate 25 years of bold choreography, unforgettable stories and impactful change.

For twenty-five years, Cassa Pancho’s Ballet Black has brought bold new ballet to stages across the UK, creating and sharing original stories with dancers from around the world. This anniversary season celebrates a quarter of a century of innovation, mentoring and collaboration, while looking ahead to the future.

This landmark double bill features Ingoma (2019), the choreographic debut of former Company dancer, 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, bringing rarely told stories tothe ballet stage. The work won both the 2020 Olivier Award and the Black British Theatre Award for Best Dance Production.

Alongside it comes …all towards hope. A joyful new commission from Alvin Ailey royalty Hope Boykin, a two-time Bessie Award winner, making her UK choreographic debut. Boykin, who says “I make work and create environments from personal and lived experiences,” creates a celebratory piece especially for Ballet Black’s 25th year, a vibrant tribute to the company’s journey and a bold look towards its future.

For 25 years, Ballet Black has transformed the landscape of British ballet, creating vital opportunities for dancers and artists of Black and Asian descent, while building a repertoire that resonates with audiences around the world.

Header image © ASH

Header image description: On a dark stage, eleven ballet dancers gather closely together. They wear white costumes that leave much of their skin visible. The dancers pose at varying heights, with some kneeling, some lunging, and others reaching their arms upward.