Ballet in Britain has long been associated with tradition and elegance, yet the contributions of Black dancers have often been overlooked. This illuminating talk delves into the hidden history of Black British ballet, tracing the journey of dancers from the 1940s to the present day.
Discover the untold stories of pioneering Black ballet dancers who, despite facing systemic barriers, persevered in their pursuit of artistic excellence. Learn about those who were denied opportunities in Britain’s leading ballet companies and had to seek work abroad, as well as the trailblazers who challenged the status quo and ultimately broke through the colour bar in some of the country’s most prestigious institutions.
Through archival research, personal testimonies, and expert insights, this talk sheds light on the struggles and triumphs of Black dancers who helped shape the British ballet landscape. From early pioneers to contemporary artists continuing the legacy, this is a chance to recognise and celebrate the resilience and talent of Black performers who have left an indelible mark on the world of dance.
The talk will be followed by an engaging Q&A session, offering the audience a unique opportunity to ask questions and reflect on the significance of these stories in today’s ballet world.
Join us for an eye-opening exploration of history, representation, and the power of perseverance in the arts.
More Sheffield Listings MORE
A Night To Remember – Motown Show
A Night To Remember – Motown Show brings the sound of 1960s Detroit to Sheffield in a high-energy…
KalakutHER: Queen of Fela’s Republic
KalakutHER: Queen of Fela’s Republic brings an important and rarely told chapter of Nigerian cultural history to the…
Seven Magic Birds: An African Panto
What happens when the traditions of a British pantomime meet the storytelling world of an African folktale? Seven…
Joeboy Live in Sheffield: Nigeria Independence Celebration
Nigerian Afrobeats star Joeboy comes to Sheffield for a special late-night celebration marking Nigeria’s Independence, bringing contemporary Nigerian…
The Pendulum — The TASH Project
The TASH Project presents a special community screening of The Pendulum, a film and research project exploring the…
In Conversation with David Greig and John Rwothomack
Two leading theatre-makers come together at Sheffield Theatres for a conversation about storytelling, creative practice and the place…
ÌLỌ́YÁ… the Journey Begins
ÌLỌ́YÁ… the Journey Begins is an intimate one-person performance exploring dreams, family, love, loss and the difficult choices…
Ijakadi — The Wrestle
Ijakadi — The Wrestle is an intimate work-in-progress performance exploring colourism, identity, masculinity and the struggle to understand…