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Black British Ballet
Illustration of young black ballet dancer on pointe.

Dancers

Black dancers have been present in British ballet from at least the 1940s onwards.

Here you can find filmed interviews and/or information about black dancers who worked or trained in British ballet in the past century. These include international professionals who spent all or most of their careers in British ballet companies, as well as British dancers who worked abroad.

Hear these pioneers speak about the challenges they faced, their experiences and their achievements in the dance industry.

Chantelle Gotobed

Ballet Black, Northern Ballet, Matthew Bourne's New Adventures

Illustration of a black male ballet dancer.

Gregory James

Dance Theatre of Harlem

Illustration of black male dancer with his hands in the air.

Jade Hale-Christofi

National Ballet Du Rhin, Ballet Black, The National Ballet of Ireland, English National Ballet

Illustration of a black male dancer on pointe.

Johaar Mosaval

The Royal Ballet

Illustration of a black male ballet dancer.

Patrick Lewis

Cullberg Ballet, Royal Swedish Ballet, English National Ballet

Darren Panton

London City Ballet, Birmingham Royal Ballet, The Royal Ballet

Dr Patrick Williams

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, Paris Opera, English National Ballet

Evan Williams

Birmingham Royal Ballet, Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater

Illustration of a black male ballet dancer on pointe.

Jerry Douglas

The Royal Ballet, American Ballet Theatre

Randall Scott

Compagnia Balletto Classico, The Royal Ballet

Illustration of a black male ballet dancer.

Richard Majewski

Béjart Ballet, Zurich Ballet, Paris Ballet Theatre

Illustration of black male dancer with his hands in the air.

Richard Witter

Dance Theatre of Harlem, Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater