Cassa Pancho’s BALLET BLACK celebrates its 25th Anniversary with a much-anticipated debut at Wolverhampton Grand Theatre this summer.

The programme features Ingoma (2019), the choreographic debut of former company dancer, Mthuthuzeli November.

Inspired by the 1946 South African miners’ strike, a precursor to the anti-apartheid movement, Ingoma captures the suffering and resilience of Black miners and their communities, bringing rarely told stories to the ballet stage. The work won both the 2020 Olivier Award and the Black British Theatre Award for Best Dance Production.

Alongside it comes a new commission …all towards hope. from Hope Boykin, a two-time Bessie Award winner, making her UK choreographic debut.

“I make work and create environments from personal and lived experiences. This new piece is a vibrant tribute to the company’s journey and a bold look towards its future”, said Hope Boykin.

Since its founding in 2001, Cassa Pancho’s Ballet Black has transformed the landscape of British ballet by championing artists of Black and Asian descent. Known for their repertory of deeply resonant works, the company and its dancers have won and been nominated for many awards. Ballet Black has a long history of performing at the Royal Opera House, beginning in 2005 with its first season at the Linbury Studio Theatre.

Cassa Pancho, Artistic Director and Founder, said: “We are excited to celebrate our 25th anniversary. In our latest bill, you will see something great from our past; the Black British Theatre and Olivier Award-winning, Ingoma, created by Mthuthuzeli November in 2019, and something equally great but very different, …all towards hope. from Alvin Ailey royalty, Hope Boykin, which looks towards our future.

“This diversity of repertoire is what I consider to be one of the strengths of BB: no two ballets are alike, whether the subject is serial killers, African ancestry or the state of the world today, I hope we will always put on a show that makes you think, feel and want to return again and again.”

Ballet Black at 25 comes to Wolverhampton Grand Theatre Tue 9 Jun. Book your tickets below.