Pioneers of Black British Ballet
Pioneers of Black British Ballet
Pioneers of Black British Ballet
The Black British Ballet project celebrates the achievements of Black dancers in British ballet in an insightful new exhibition in the Linbury Theatre foyer.
From the 1950s to the modern day, this exhibition showcases a visual history of dancers from The Royal Ballet School and Company.
From the 1950s to the modern day, this exhibition showcases a visual history of dancers from The Royal Ballet School and Company.
Black British Ballet project by Oxygen Arts and The National Lottery Heritage Fund
Background
Despite Black dancers performing in British ballet companies since the 1940s, much of their presence and contribution has been overlooked. The Black British Ballet project aims to challenge this by documenting, celebrating and shining a light on the achievements of Black dancers in British ballet.
From the 1950s to the modern day, this exhibition showcases a visual history of dancers from The Royal Ballet School and Company. Many of these dancers faced racism and discrimination and were forced to travel abroad to pursue their dreams. We celebrate these artists at the height of their careers and detail their contributions to progressing the art form.
The exhibition also spotlights the collaboration between the Dance Theatre of Harlem and The Royal Ballet on their groundbreaking Chance to Dance programme, which aims to bring dancers from diverse backgrounds into ballet. The programme helped launch the careers of dancers such as Shevelle Dynott, Jacob Wye and Rishan Benjamin.
The exhibition will be available during Royal Opera House opening hours. Please note that the foyer may be closed for private events.
Access
There is step-free access to the Linbury Foyer via the Bow Street entrance using the lifts on the left-hand side of the Main Stage auditorium or using the ramp which slopes down on smooth flooring. The lift on the left-hand side of the Main Stage auditorium also provides access to the café, the Paul Hamlyn Hall, Balcony Restaurant and Crush Room.
The lift on the right-hand side of the Main Stage auditorium provides access to the café, Level 5 Bar, the Piazza Restaurant and Terrace Bar and the Crush Room.
Join our Access Scheme for priority access performance tickets and to personalise your account for your access requirements.
See our Accessibility page for more information on access at the Royal Opera House.
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Royal Opera House Covent Garden Foundation, a charitable company limited by guarantee incorporated in England and Wales (Company number 480523) Charity Registered (Number 211775)