Support Ballet Black’s 25th Anniversary

In 2026, Ballet Black celebrates 25 years of transforming British ballet. Founded by Cassa Pancho MBE in 2001, Ballet Black was created to make a fundamental change in the diversity of mainstream classical ballet — on stage, behind the scenes, and among audiences.

Today, our company of ten international dancers creates and performs bold, distinctive, and award-winning new work across the UK and beyond. From major venues such as the Barbican and Sadler’s Wells to regional theatres that rarely host classical companies, Ballet Black brings world-class ballet to everyone.

Our impact extends far beyond the stage. Through our subsidised Junior School and Junior Associate Programme, we provide high-quality training for more than 250 young people aged 3 – 18, led by teachers of diverse heritage. We also award around £16,000 annually in scholarships to ensure financial hardship is never a barrier to participation.

As we enter our 25th year, Ballet Black continues to nurture the next generation of dancers and choreographers, commission new and original ballets, and challenge perceptions of who belongs in ballet. But as a small charity without core funding, we rely on the generosity of our friends and supporters to make this work possible.

Your donation will help sustain our dancers, support new creative voices, and ensure we can continue inspiring audiences and young people across the UK for the next 25 years and beyond.

Every gift makes a difference. Thank you for helping Ballet Black thrive.