This October, Black History Month Draft Works returns to the Clore Studio at the Royal Opera House, curated by Royal Ballet Principal dancer Marcelino Sambé. The programme, running 6–7 October 2025, celebrates Black creators and choreographers whose voices are shaping the future of ballet.
The evening features five works by emerging female choreographers, including three new pieces. Dancers from The Royal Ballet, Ballet Black, and freelance artists will perform across the programme.
Company Wayne McGregor alumnus Hannah Joseph and Royal Ballet Artist Rebecca Myles Stewart will present new works for dancers of The Royal Ballet.
Olivier Award-winning dancer Isabela Coracy contributes a piece performed by members of Ballet Black.
Also featured are Sadler’s Wells Young Associate Choreographers BLUE MAKWANA and Elisabeth Mulenga. MAKWANA’s new work will be performed by Royal Ballet artists and Aud Jebsen programme members, while Mulenga’s piece features freelance artists Steffi Fashokun, Kirke Gross, Adhya Shastry and Magnus Westwell.
All works will be set to music by Black composers and musicians, with lighting design by Prema Mehta.
Black History Month Draft Works is the third in a series of annual evenings curated by Black artists from The Royal Ballet. It follows Joseph Toonga’s Rhythm in Resilience (2023) and Joseph Sissens’ Legacy (2024).
This year’s programme is inspired by Sambé’s personal journey exploring the legacy of Black musical artists throughout history.
Marcelino Sambé said:
“Being part of this project has been a real privilege. I believe these five choreographers are essential voices in the future of choreography. I have learned so much and been completely inspired by them. The way they work, communicate, and transform vision into movement is something that will deeply inspire my own journey as a dancer and creator. I feel very lucky to have played even a small part in their paths. Let’s keep our eyes on them; they are our future, and it’s a future that looks pretty extraordinary.”
Listings and ticket information can be found here.
