Ballet Black (1986) - extract

2,814 views · Published 8 November 2016 · 4:15 · Indexed 4 November 2026

Channel: BFI · 2016 · Film & Animation

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Watch the complete film free on BFI Player (UK only): http://player.bfi.org.uk/film/watch-ballet-black-1986/

Stephen Dwoskin's Arts Council film tells the story of Ballet Negres, an innovative all-black dance troupe founded by Jamaican dancer Berto Pasuka and active in Europe from 1946 to 1952. Exploring the company through archive film and photographs, as well as a reunion of the original members after 35 years, it climaxes with a vibrant performance of Pasuka's They Came by young black dancers. The film's fragmented style and lack of traditional talking heads can be challenging, but its historic value and rhythmic blend of sound and image reward the persistent viewer. (Stephen Bourne)

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