For anyone who has not seen Ballet Black, before, you are in for a treat.
This was my first time too. Never been to the Ballet before. Surprisingly, I was not the only one. You’d think of it in a prejudiced way that it’s something black folks are not into in a somewhat naive way. Boy, was I wrong?
Ballet Black – The Barbican, Say It Loud, Choreography; Cassa Pancho, DANCERS; (L-R) Joss Alves, Isabela Coracy, Alexander Fadayiro, Sayaka Ichikawa, Rosanna Lindsey, Mthuthuzeli November, photographed by Bill Cooper Lighting design by David Plater. Costume design by Jessica Cabassa. “Soundtrack Creation by Cassa PanchoWith additional Composition by Michael ‘Mikey J’ Asante”.
This production takes us on a voyage of the extremities of human fragility, spiritually, socially and politically through dance. Without saying, it was artistic in every sensibility. Rich in music and cultural references across the world.
Choreographed by Cassa Pancho and The Ballet Black Company Artists. Cira Robinson photographed by Bill Cooper. Lighting design by David Plater. Costume design by Jessica Cabassa. “Soundtrack Creation by Cassa PanchoWith additional Composition by Michael ‘Mikey J’ Asante”.
The celebration of diversity with inclusion were boxes checked throughout. It was in two parts. Say It Loud (World Premier) and Black Sun (World Premiere).
Watching, you would wonder what more stones could be left unturned. Explosive at times, witty to the core; making you gasp for more ecstasy and euphoria. The Q & A after with the director and production team was just as exciting.
Choreographed by Cassa Pancho and The Ballet Black Company Artists. Ebony Thomas photographed by Bill Cooper. Lighting design by David Plater. Costume design by Jessica Cabassa. “Soundtrack Creation by Cassa PanchoWith additional Composition by Michael ‘Mikey J’ Asante”.
It led to a greater understanding of the plot and challenges the company had to deal with over the past decade, or decades — individually, likewise — equally commercially, as a business.
Choreographed by Cassa Pancho and The Ballet Black Company Artists. (L-R) Sayaka Ichikawa, Cira Robinson and Isabela Coracy photographed by Bill Cooper. Lighting design by David Plater. Costume design by Jessica Cabassa.”Soundtrack Creation by Cassa PanchoWith additional Composition by Michael ‘Mikey J’ Asante”.
The producers and writers of this masterclass leave a lot to the imagination creatively whilst we celebrate a shift in culture from different perspectives. A wonderful milestone for ballet (Ballet Black) and a brand new hope for a newfound generation.
Choreographed by Cassa Pancho and The Ballet Black Company Artists. Mthuthuzeli November photographed by Bill Cooper. Lighting design by David Plater. Costume design by Jessica Cabassa. “Soundtrack Creation by Cassa PanchoWith additional Composition by Michael ‘Mikey J’ Asante”.
The dancers teased us throughout with their impeccable honed talents touching just about any dance genre there is that was ever invented — singing live, acting and dancing, introspectively within the same space — simultaneously. Whether it was a pirouette, jive, traditional (roots), contemporary or old — they slayed them all.
Choreographed by Cassa Pancho and The Ballet Black Company Artists. José Alves and Cira Robinson photographed by Bill Cooper. Lighting design by David Plater. Costume design by Jessica Cabassa. “Soundtrack Creation by Cassa PanchoWith additional Composition by Michael ‘Mikey J’ Asante”.
You must see this piece, next time around. Now you know there is Ballet. Now you know there is Ballet Black.
Choreographed by Cassa Pancho and The Ballet Black Company Artists. (L-R) EbonyThomas, Isabela Coracy, Cira Robinson and Alexander Fadayrio photographed by Bill Cooper. Lighting design by David Plater. Costume design by Jessica Cabassa. “Soundtrack Creation by Cassa PanchoWith additional Composition by Michael ‘Mikey J’ Asante”.
You can not unsee it. When you thought you knew what was coming but the narrative was revised. Evocative Piece ‘.
Choreographed by Cassa Pancho and The Ballet Black Company Artists. The Ballet Black Company photographed by Bill Cooper. Lighting design by David Plater. Costume design by Jessica Cabassa. “Soundtrack Creation by Cassa PanchoWith additional Composition by Michael ‘Mikey J’ Asante”.
BalletBlack_The Barbican, Black Sun, Choreography; Gregory Maqoma, DANCERS; Joss Alves, Isabela Coracy, Alexander Fadayiro, Sayaka Ichikawa, Rosanna Lindsey, Mthuthuzeli November. “Soundtrack Creation by Cassa PanchoWith additional Composition by Michael ‘Mikey J’ Asante”.
