Reflections From a Local Champion on Pointe Black's Ballet 'Overcome'
This November, Pointe Black put on its bold and poignant ballet Overcome, staged at the Royal Academy of Dance.
The performance shone a powerful spotlight on untold stories of resistance, notably the Haitian Revolution and other pivotal moments in the Civil Rights movement. Supported by Wandsworth’s Black History 365 grant, Overcome was a highlight of the borough’s year-round cultural programme.
Our Local Champion Dr. Venessa Swaby attended the performance and shared her thoughts on the piece:
"Pointe Black were absolutely on point from the youngest to the oldest performers. Founder Ruth Essel and team truly brought something special to Wandsworth. The joy on the dancers’ faces was infectious, and the audience was on fire throughout. We definitely need to see more of Pointe Black across the borough, enriching and celebrating Wandsworth’s contribution to the London Borough of Culture and expanding SEND provision too—something Ruth is deeply passionate about. Watch this space."
The piece was particularly special as it marked Pointe Black’s fifth anniversary. Pointe Black is a ballet company for people of Black heritage, providing a place for the Black community to be ballerinas without discrimination or judgment, while campaigning for racial equity in the art. Dancers start from 18 months old and have no age ceiling, celebrating that ballet is for every body.
Find out more about Pointe Black here.
