Windrush inspired ballet performance at Halesowen Library
A new ballet 'Island Movements' will be performed at Halesowen Library on Tuesday 10 October at 11.30am as part of Black History Month.
The short ballet tells the story of Windrush and explores the impact of this generation’s experiences on their families, communities and society. Admission is free.
Beginning with a young Caribbean soldier in WW2 Britain, this moving tale follows him and his family through their life in the UK up to the current Windrush scandal.
Darren Panton, who was the first black British dancer to graduate from the Royal Ballet School and Patrick Williams, who danced at Alvin Ailey and the Paris Opera are choreographing.
Featuring original music by the groundbreaking Kinetika Bloco, the story is driven by a pulsating mix of reggae, calypso and contemporary black British music.
As well as the thirty-minute performance there is a chance to chat with the dancers and creators.
Councillor Ian Bevan, cabinet member for libraries said:
“This is a beautiful and poignant ballet suitable for everyone and perfect for anyone who has never seen a ballet performance before.
“Island Movements is a moving and accessible piece of dance which recognises an important part of our shared history.”
Stephanie Rhoden, Better partnership manager for Dudley Libraries said:
“Ballet, just like books and libraries, is for everyone.
“We’re really glad we can host this performance as part of Black History Month. It’s a short yet beautiful piece and can be enjoyed by all ages. If you’ve never seen a ballet, this is the perfect place to start.”
Island Movements aims to radically reimagine what Black British Ballet could be for a new generation: powerful, relevant and rooted in their experiences and culture.
It is funded by Arts Council England and the Black Funding Network, and is touring arts venues and libraries around the country from October.
The Black British Ballet project aims to produce a suite of resources to document the history and experiences of Black dancers and choreographers in British ballet in the last century.