The Pointe Black Mission
The Story
For over 20 years, I’ve danced my way through ballet classes across South London, facing micro-aggressions, racism, size-ism, and other forms of discrimination. I remember a child refusing to hold my hand in class because of my skin color. I remember being shamed by a teacher for having braids, while my white classmates didn’t get the same treatment. I was told the ballet world wasn't made for 'someone like me,' even though I went on to perform on some of the biggest stages, like Sadler's Wells and the Royal Albert Hall. Sadly, the list goes on.
But I persevered. I knew I was destined for something greater. I deserved to be in the studio, on stage, and I deserved to do it while being my authentic self.
I started Pointe Black three years ago for that very reason – to give Black girls (and boys) a chance to not only access ballet but to bring their own folding chair to the table.
“If they don’t give you a seat at the table, bring a folding chair” with a picture of a white folding chair.
The Solution
This is why our fundraiser for Pointe Black is so important! With your help, we can keep giving our community that fighting chance! Keeping our classes low cost (£5 is a bargain!), continuing to let our ballerina superstars shine on stage for free (the dreaded costume fees might make a feature in the next newsletter), and expanding to different locations (shout out to our friends across the river).
The fact that we have ballerinas traveling from Uxbridge to Battersea shows that what we’re doing is not only necessary but currently unmatched.
Why unmatched, you ask?
We are a Black-owned ballet school, with all Black professional teaching staff, skin-colored uniforms, free performance and enrichment opportunities, and nurturing, non-judgemental vibes that our community can afford! There is truly nothing like it, and it is more than needed to make the necessary change.
