Why it matters: The exhibition forms part of a wider effort to fundamentally change the way ballet is seen in Britain, bringing the art form to new audiences whilst driving change in an industry where black dancers remain significantly underrepresented.
The details: The Into the Light exhibition will run at Ipswich County Library from 3-28 October, featuring archive photography, film, newspaper articles and posters alongside new video clips of dancers' stories tracing the history of Black British ballet from the 1940s to the present day.
The exhibition is part of the Black British Ballet project by Oxygen Arts, a social enterprise specialising in working with diverse communities. Based on the PhD studies of Dr Sandie Bourne, the project includes a children's book, a Windrush-themed ballet show, a feature-length documentary and a touring exhibition visiting 25 libraries across the country.
Dr Sandie Bourne said: "Black British dance professionals are still significantly underrepresented in every area of the industry. Their absence inevitably reinforces the perception of those with little or no relationship to ballet, that this art form is not 'for them'. The Black British Ballet project aims to create a range of resource to tackle this situation on every level, in diverse communities, in ballet academies, in dance companies and in universities."
What else is happening: Oxygen Arts is bringing a series of events to libraries across Suffolk throughout October, including:
An online virtual reality workshop on 7 October exploring the process of making the Black British Ballet VR experience.
A dance photography workshop at Ipswich County Library on 18 October for budding photographers aged 14 and above.
Dance workshops exploring ballet mixed with contemporary, African and Caribbean dance for ages seven and above at Ipswich County Library and Gainsborough Community Library on 29 October.
The bigger picture: Suffolk Community Libraries is also continuing its partnership with Aspire Black Suffolk to host Beyond the Bassline, a celebration of Black British music at Ipswich County Library on 18 October from 13:00-17:00.
The free event will feature steel pan performances, creative stalls, a learning zone exploring untold Black histories, capoeira demonstrations, silent cinema, and a chance to build a sound system. Stallholders will sell Caribbean food, with a special evening event featuring deeper conversations about music as a fuel for change and the history of sound systems.
Eleanor Root, Suffolk Community Libraries cultural partnerships lead, said: "We're delighted to be working with the Black British Ballet project and continuing our partnership with Aspire Black Suffolk to be offering these fantastic activities. Our libraries are great places for people to enjoy different experiences and get involved. There are events for everyone regardless of your age or background and everyone is welcome to come along and celebrate Black History."
The bottom line: Suffolk libraries are marking Black History Month with a packed programme of free events designed to share hidden histories, celebrate Black British culture and make ballet accessible to diverse audiences across the county.
All events are free to attend. For more information, visit your local library or the Black History Month website at blackhistorymonth.org.uk.
