Pointe Black

An inspiring Black ballet company championing diversity

Pointe Black is a Black owned ballet company in the heart of Battersea. They offer creative ballet classes and provide a diverse and inclusive dance environment for all. Students enjoy the technique, foundations and therapeutic benefits of ballet, fused with aspects of Black culture. The school has also been awarded the Leading Champions of Performing Arts Diversity - London by the UK Enterprise Awards 2021.

Inspired by her own experience, Ruth Essel created Pointe Black to make ballet a safe place and to focus on the best way to develop ballet as an art form; by being your authentic self.

In class, children and adults are encouraged to practice self-expression, creativity, coordination, embrace cultural roots, have fun and so much more. The adult classes are also a fusion of ballet and fitness where it doesn’t matter the shape, size, or shade of your body - and all are encouraged to be themselves.

Pointe Black classes are every Saturday from November 20th.

BY RUTH ESSEL, Principal and Founder www.pointeblack.co.uk

PLEASE TURN TO P14 to read Dr. Sandie Okoro’s article on growing up as a young Black person in London