From the moment you enter the theatre of The Barbican, you’re greeted with an electrified buzz from who can only be described as the most diverse audience ballet has seen. It reflects what we’re about to see. A play that decades ago we wouldn’t have thought could get this type of attention — a ballet with black and brown people who are unapologetic about who they are. And this includes the visible strength their body exudes.
This was something my friend, who is an ex-ballerina, called out. These bodies were the opposite of what she was taught acceptable for ballet. For a traditional, archaic ballet crowd, it’s already clear there is a lot of unlearning that Ballet Black will ignite.
Split into two performances, the first half of Ballet Black’s Heroes, If At First, while nodding to contemporary dance, is more of a traditional piece harboured in quiet heroism. We see a story of love, loss and power take centre stage. This is where the movement of the Ballet Black dancers come to life through their effortless movement across the stage and their theatrical acting. An addition in both sections of Ballet Black and one you’re less likely to see in traditional ballet.
The audience goes through a journey of characters trying to break through barriers that hold them back from taking the crown, a crown that is representative of them pushing through the everyday struggles of life. Something dancer and creator Sophie Laplane was adamant about showcasing, having been inspired by Jean-Michael Basquiat’s Eroica. At times, it feels representative of what Ballet Black stands for and the barriers a company like this has had to knock down.
As we enter the second half of the play, The Waiting Game, we are treated to something different. While the first half was rooted in tradition, the second half plays with it. There’s a confidence and self-assuredness the second half brings to let us know it can bend the boundaries. Although we’re
“There’s a confidence and self-assuredness the second half of the play brings to let us know it can bend the boundaries.”
The Waiting Game reminds us that dance can transcend all genres. With jazz numbers reminiscent of Chicago and New York’s dazzling Broadway scene, we see ballet shown in a way we couldn’t imagine. But it’s this vibrancy that brings the play to life. There’s a reason why there was such an electrified buzz at the beginning of this play. It’s because it truly is one of the most exciting and unique things you will see in ballet. And hopefully not the only one of its kind.
Need to know:
Ballet Black: Heroes plays at the Barbican Centre until 19 May 2024. It’s sold out but returns are possible.
