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Oxygen Arts CIC Black British Ballet project
PROJECT DESCRIPTION

The Black British Ballet project aims to fundamentally change the way that ballet is perceived and operates in Britain. UK ballet has long struggled with issues of diversity and access, especially among historically disadvantaged groups. We want to bring contemporary, exciting ballet experiences and stories to communities who have traditionally viewed it as not ‘for them’. The work is based on the PhD research of Dr Sandie Bourne.

Beneficiaries

  • People Of A Particular Ethnic Or Racial Origin

    Black dancers and audiences discover the rich history of black dancers in British ballet and ballet companies are encouraged to promote this history to their audiences and renew their focus on increasing diversity within their industry.

  • The General Public / Mankind

    Communities and the wider ballet establishment have a greater understanding of this overlooked piece of British history, spurring a greater appreciation of the achievements and experiences of these dance pioneers.

  • Children / Young People

    Dance students and potential students are encouraged to pursue a career in ballet by learning about the achievements of these ballet pioneers and through meeting these pioneers in person.

  • Reach of your work

    35,000

Geographic reach

  • United Kingdom
  • United States
BENEFICIARIES REACHED ANNUALLY

500

Through our book and dance workshops and as show audiences

SIZE OF PROJECT PER ANNUM

£70,000.00

TIMELINE

Feb 2024 - Dec 2025

BENEFICIARIES REACHED ANNUALLY

10000

Through our events, our show, the website and documentary

BENEFICIARIES REACHED ANNUALLY

20000

Through our events, our show, the website and documentary

Project Outcome Targets

To bring ballet to communities around the country so that they are aware of these dance pioneers

To bring a renewed focus on improving diversity across all areas of ballet

To celebrate the stories of these pioneers and to have their achievements recognised more widely.

Project Activities

  • blackbritishballet.com website. Launched in Nov 2023, featuring original interviews with 15 dancers.

  • Island Movements. Windrush themed ballet show touring communities around the UK from 2023-2024.

  • Documentary film. Featuring clips from the dancer interviews, performances and stills, due in 2024.

  • Children's Book (4-7). Book/dance workshop for school & family groups in partnership with libraries.

  • Mentoring pilot. Linking dancers from our project to students to encourage them to remain in ballet.

Project Impact and Partners
IMPACT REPORTING

Bi-annually

March 2021

SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS
UN SDG 10: Reduced Inequality
How we monitor the quality and results of our work

Feedback, consultation, online data analysis, 1 to 1 interviews.

WHO IS ALREADY FUNDING THE PROJECT?

Paul Hamlyn Foundation

£52k to develop the website, film, events, action plan and mentoring pilot.

Arts Council England

£30k to fund the community tour of Island Movements ballet.

Black Funding Network

£7k to fund the development of the Island Movements ballet.
OTHER PARTNERS

English National Ballet

Project development and communications support, event hosting, archive access

The Royal Ballet

Event hosting, communications support, archive access

Birmingham Royal Ballet

Event hosting, communications support, filmed interviews

Libraries Connected

Membership organisation for public libraries, partnering on funding bids, library communications.