Ballet Black returns this Autumn to Watford Palace Theatre

Now in their 21st year, Cassa Pancho’s Ballet Black is excited to present award-winning choreographers, Will Tuckett and Mthuthuzeli November in a double bill of new and original work in Ballet Black: Pioneers.

Will Tuckett’s Then Or Now, originally created in 2020, blends classical ballet, music and the poetry of Adrienne Rich to ask the question: in times like these, where do we each belong?  

“…the piece feels above all like a call for respect across any and all divides.” The Telegraph, 2021

The second piece on the bill is devised by award-winning choreographer, Mthuthuzeli November. Nina: By Whatever Means, is inspired by the artistry and activism of Nina Simone. November weaves a skillful picture of Simone’s turbulent and influential life to take us on an emotional and empowering journey.  

Cassa Pancho’s Ballet Black is a professional ballet company that celebrates dancers of Black and Asian descent. They are making a fundamental change in the diversity of classical ballet in Britain – on stage, behind the scenes, and among audiences and dance students. In the years since Ballet Black was founded, they have worked to change the landscape of classical ballet through performances, their Junior School and their outreach programmes. Ballet Black is one of the most prolific commissioners of new and critically acclaimed ballets in the UK, and have developed diverse dance audiences across the country. Their ultimate goal is to see a fundamental change in the number of Black and culturally diverse dancers in mainstream ballet companies, making their initial vision wonderfully unnecessary.

Ballet Black: Pioneers will be at Watford Palace Theatre for one night only, Tuesday, 17^th October at 7:30 pm. Tickets from £18.50 to £80. Book now.