Press Archive

“… the company evoked classical ballet with plenty of piroutes, pas de deux, and stunning point work, without the formality and stuffiness of traditional ballet…”

“the brand-new work of the season, Orpheus, by Will Tuckett – the first narrative work Ballet Black have staged – is a triumph.”

“The “blindfold” sequence is especially good, clearly conveying their love and longing…”

“…has magicked into being a neo-expressionist chamber ballet whose sombre tone is counterpointed by storytelling of shimmering clarity.”

“The company’s energy and maturity is the best birthday present.”

“A ballet company to watch…”

“Ballet Black’s sixth season at the Linbury Studio Theatre is a mixed bag of playful and energetic approaches to ballet…”

“Oguike has never created a classical ballet before, and it’s typical of Ballet Black’s intrepid commissioning style to have invited him to make a work.”

“Ballet Black keeps getting better.”

“…a finely-balanced exercise in melting, romantic softness.”

“…until dancers of colour are properly represented in Britain’s big classical companies, this small beacon of excellence will have an inspirational role to play.”

“…the company look fleet and fantastic.”

“The dancers are sleek and focused, the choreography new, while the whole enterprise has a sparky assurance.”

“…For unflagging energy and unstoppable spirit, Ballet Black is phenomenal….”

“…The choreography has a clean edge and a strong and distinctive personality that exudes warmth…”

“…this small ensemble a repertory that is often fresher and more revealing than the programmes of larger companies….”

“…director Cassa Pancho has put together a neo-classical programme that would shame bigger troupes…”

“…There’s a tension between toughness and elegance in the work which is always technically impressive…”

“…Fluent, fluid and bringing colour to the ballet scene…”

“… the commitment to new work is pretty much unparallelled in the UK…”