Founder & Artistic Director Ballet Black

Words by Yasmin Arrigo Global Editorial Director, Amplify Image: Holly McGlynn

Across the week, when the young aspiring dancers arrive for their after-school and weekend classes and push the door back to the Marylebone studio, they are entering into the world Cassa Pancho created 21 years ago – the world of Ballet Black.

Launched to celebrate and bring opportunities to Black and Asian dancers, the professional ballet company has an ultimate goal of creating a greater representation in the mainstream ballet universe. From traversing traditional worlds through to extending beyond performance, Pancho answers frankly about the challenges of breaking formats and transforming the dance landscape.