Join us as we celebrate the untold stories of Britain’s Black ballet dancers, brought centre stage for the first time in a new touring exhibition coming to York Explore in May 2025.
During the May school half-term, the exhibition will be accompanied by an exciting programme of workshops, including dance, storytelling, photography, VR and more.
Funded by The National Lottery Heritage Fund, Into the Light: Pioneers of Black British Ballet will bring together archive photography, film, newspaper articles and posters alongside new video and audio interviews to trace the history of black British ballet from the 1940s to the present day.
A unique partnership between creative agency Oxygen Arts and Libraries Connected, will see the exhibition tour 25 libraries, starting in Stockport and Redbridge this October and continuing until November 2025.
#LetsCreate, #ExploreTogether
Exhibition
Into the Light: Pioneers of Black British Ballet
Friday 2 May – Thursday 29 May
Venue: York Explore
The story of Black dancers in British ballet is rich, complicated, and inspiring. Its history stretches back to 1946, when Berto Pasuka, who had trained in classical ballet in Jamaica, founded Europe’s first Black dance company, Les Ballet Nègres, alongside fellow Jamaican dancer Richie Riley.
Into the Light: Pioneers of Black British Ballet celebrates the remarkable legacy of Black dancers in British ballet throughout the 20th century. The exhibition showcases these dancers at the height of their careers, performing across Europe, Asia, and North America during a time of profound global change—including the civil rights movement, the fall of the Berlin Wall, and the end of Apartheid.
Free event. No need to book. Just come along.
Dance Workshop
Tuesday 27th May – 10:30 AM
Duration: 60-90 minutes
Age: 7+ years
Venue: York Explore
A dance workshop led by one of the dancers from the project, incorporating a mix of ballet, contemporary, African, or Caribbean dance. Suitable for all participants aged 7 and above.
The session can be followed by an informal Q&A with the dancer/instructor.
Free event. Book your free tickets here
Onisere and the Ballet Queen: Storytelling Workshop
Tuesday 27th May – 2 PM
Duration: 45-60 minutes
Age: 4-8 years
Venue: York Explore
Onisere wants to be a ballet dancer, but there’s just one problem—she’s never seen a ballerina who looks like her. Enter the Ballet Queen, Simbira, who takes Onisere and her football-mad little brother, Tayo, on a fantastical journey through the history of Black British ballet.
This fun-filled session blends dance and storytelling, introducing young audiences to the trailblazing Black dancers who shaped British ballet.
Free event. Book your free tickets here
Onisere and the Ballet Queen: Storytelling Workshop
Wednesday 28th May – 10 AM
Duration: 45-60 minutes
Age: 4-8 years
Venue: Tang Hall Explore
Onisere wants to be a ballet dancer, but there’s just one problem—she’s never seen a ballerina who looks like her. Enter the Ballet Queen, Simbira, who takes Onisere and her football-mad little brother, Tayo, on a fantastical journey through the history of Black British ballet.
This fun-filled session blends dance and storytelling, introducing young audiences to the trailblazing Black dancers who shaped British ballet.
Free event. Book your tickets here
Creative Writing Workshop
Wednesday 28th May – 2 PM
Duration: 90 minutes
Age: 9 years old to adult
Venue: Tang Hall Explore
Taking inspiration from the experiences of ballet dancers featured in the exhibition, this workshop guides participants through a series of group and individual activities.
The session aims to help attendees craft a final written response, encouraging creative expression and reflection.
Free event: Book your tickets here
Creating a VR Experience with BOM Media
Thursday 29th May – 2 PM
Duration: 60 minutes
Age: 11 years old to adult
Venue: Online
This engaging talk will take the audience through the process of creating the Black British Ballet virtual reality experience. Led by BOM (Birmingham Open Media), the UK’s leading immersive arts organisation, the session will explore the steps involved in developing immersive storytelling using VR and AR.
BOM is a non-profit social enterprise that empowers communities through innovative technology and inclusive learning programs. Their award-winning immersive experiences use VR and AR to drive social change and expand creative possibilities.
Free event: Book your tickets here
Dance Photography Workshop
Friday 30th May – 2 PM
Duration: 60-90 minutes
Age: 14 years old to adult
Venue: York Explore
A hands-on group session for budding photographers to learn about movement and dance photography.
Cameras are provided, or participants can bring their own. The course leader will be joined by a professional dancer as a model to help demonstrate techniques and capture motion in a dynamic setting.
Free event: Book your tickets here
Classical Ballet Workshop
Saturday 31st May – 2 PM
Duration: 60-90 minutes
Age: 7+ years
Venue: Tang Hall Explore
Led by one of the dancers from the project, this ballet workshop can be tailored to all levels—beginners, intermediate, and professionals—suitable for all aged 7 and up.
The session will be followed by an informal Q&A with the dancer/instructor, offering an opportunity for participants to learn more about ballet techniques and experiences.
Free event: Book your tickets here
Accessibility Guides for Venues
Instagram: @librariesconnected, @blackbritishballet, @oxygenarts_uk
Facebook: @LibrariesConnected, @librariesconnected
#LetsCreate, #ExploreTogether
Explore York is a National Portfolio Organisation (NPOs) designated by Arts Council England. The funding recognises Explore’s cultural contribution in creating and promoting artistic experiences, supporting artists, and engaging communities.
Explore York’s NPO programme for 2023 – 26 aims to deliver creative and cultural activities inspired by the nationally significant Explore York Archives collections.
