Don’t miss this BFI freebie

Bringing together dancers from the Caribbean and musicians from West Africa watch how one Jamaican turned his passion into his purpose

HISTORY: Stephen Dwoskin's Arts Council film tells the story of Ballet Negres

HAVE YOU seen Ballet Black? The documentary tells the story of Les Ballets Nègres, an all-black dance company founded by Berto Pasuka, a queer Jamaican dancer, choreographer, director, writer, performer and painter.

Blending archival photographs and video footage, the film recounts the company’s short history, concluding with a contemporary performance of Pasuka’s dance They Came.

Pasuka loved to dance. When he made Britain his home in 1939, he took a ballet course and found opportunities to dance in cabaret shows in West End night clubs during WWII.

He also modelled for sculptors, painters and photographers, including Angus McBean, who admired his physique. After the war, while working with several other black dancers in the film Men of Two Worlds, Pasuka established Ballet Negres, Britain’s first black ballet company.

Watch for free here:

Comments Form

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

*
*

Support The Voice

The Voice Newspaper is committed to celebrating black excellence, campaigning for positive change and informing the black community on important issues. Your financial contributions are essential to protect the future of the publication as we strive to help raise the profile of the black communities across the UK. Any size donation is welcome and we thank you for your continued support.

Support Sign-up