Festival Theatre Edinburgh presents Ballet Black: Pioneers

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 skilful 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. They are one of the most prolific commissioners of new and critically acclaimed ballets in the UK, and have developed diverse dance audiences across the country. Ballet Black is also playing a role in advocating wider societal change through cutting-edge collaborations, including working to create the first UK made pointe shoes for Black, Brown and Asian dancers.

Performances of Ballet Black: Pioneers will be on June 28 & 29 at 7:30 pm. Tickets from £18.50

Click here to purchase tickets.

Please note, Nina: By Whatever Means contains flash photography and haze. This production also contains scenes of domestic violence and racism.