Ballet Black has celebrated its 25th anniversary with a compelling and ultimately uplifting double bill that showcases the company’s distinctive voice – emotionally direct, visually striking, and rooted in both classical technique and contemporary relevance.
The opening piece, ‘…all towards hope’, choreographed by Hope Boykin, sets the tone with a sense of warmth and inclusivity. The egalitarian costuming—earthy reds, pinks, and browns—beautifully complements the lighting palette, creating a cohesive visual world that feels grounded and human.
Boykin’s choreography is the true standout here. Electric yet nuanced, it pulses with energy while allowing space for quieter, reflective moments. Her spoken text threads gently through the work, reinforcing themes of unity and resilience without ever feeling heavy-handed.
Movement shifts fluidly from frenetic bursts to sensual duets, peppered with moments of playful joy. The choreography draws on classical ballet foundations but is infused with modern dance sensibilities, giving the piece a fresh, accessible dynamism.
A particularly captivating sequence sees senior artist Acaoā de Castro perform in silence, embodying innocence and wide-eyed wonder with remarkable sincerity—holding the audience in complete stillness. Elsewhere, Isabela Coracy commands the stage with a powerful blend of strength and elegance, her presence both assured and expressive.
The second piece ‘Ingoma’ offers a striking contrast. Depicting the Marikana miners’ strike in Africa in 2012, where 34 workers were massacred when police forces opened fire on them, ‘Ingoma’ plunges the audience into a darker, more visceral world.
Choreographed by Mthuthuzeli November, with a thunderous score co-written by Peter Johnson and November, and stark lighting design by David Plater, it evokes the oppressive, claustrophobic atmosphere of the mines with chilling effectiveness. The choreography here is raw and physical, the dancers throwing themselves into the movement with palpable commitment. Their final bows are visibly emotional ones – there is a clear sense that they have poured everything into the performance.
Visually, the piece is often arresting. One particularly stunning moment sees the female dancers weaving around each other en pointe, creating an intricate pattern that lingers in the memory. Senior Artist Ebony Thomas brings magnetism in his sequences as he leads the ensemble across the stage, as they beat rhythms on their gumboots.
While there are some very minor niggles – the company’s precision means that any slight lack of synchronicity becomes noticeable, and the miners’ lanterns, though effective, can risk the odd blind spot if you catch them at the wrong angle – the overall impact remains powerful.
Together, these two works highlight Ballet Black’s versatility and artistic ambition. BB25 is a celebration of hope, humanity, and storytelling through movement – an engaging and thought-provoking evening that leaves a lasting impression.
Ballet Black continues its tour in May. For information and tickets, visit https://balletblack.co.uk/performances/. For further shows at The Lowry visit https://thelowry.com/whats-on/
Reviewer: Lou Steggals
Reviewed: 14th April 2026
North West End UK Rating: