2018

A Dream Within A Midsummer Night’s Dream, though, that had me repeatedly reaching out and excitably squeezing my companion’s hand. Arthur Pita’s playful, joyous, hilarious and unashamedly queer love letter to the world of Shakespeare’s fairies is also a teasing sext to the benchmarks of ballet.

Ballet Black double bill review: Bold, chaotic, hypnotic and challenging..

The major UK ballet squads are all considerably more diverse than they were when Cassa Pancho founded her troupe 17 years ago and the pointe shoe manufacturers have re-thought their idea of “flesh-coloured”, but Ballet Black still has a key role to play: attracting new, atypical audiences and commissioning clever small-scale works (40 so far).

You can’t not like this celebration of romantic possibilities with its witty choreography that eventually resolves back into Handelian classicism. The company dance it with style and affection. It’s a treat.

Shakespeare in tutus for enchanting double bill...We are enchanted – and seduced.

... it shows the classical side to the ballet company and the high quality of the dancers who received a well-deserved a standing ovation to end the enchanting evening.

It’s time to forget everything you think you know about ballet, put aside any pre-existing notions about form, classical styling and storytelling because Ballet Black are redefining its contemporary relevance.

Ballet Black’s performances are exemplary, truly magnificent and accomplished dance pieces. With enduring, graceful, and passionate dances, this company have proved once again that neither race nor colour has any place in the arts.

Pita's interpretation of Shakespeare's Dream is a colourful, engaging and lively work. Its status as a signature within the repertoire is no surprise given the joy it delivers from beginning to end, showcasing the company at their mesmerising best.