Cassa Pancho MBE founded Ballet Black as a ballet company in 2001. Cassa’s indomitable spirit and determination over 20 plus years have seen her prove her sceptics wrong. Cassa saw Ballet Black as a response to the industry myopia and resulting lack of professional opportunities for Black and Asian ballet dancers in the UK. The Company was founded to provide dancers and students of Black and Asian descent with inspiring opportunities in classical ballet. Ballet Black have been nominated for and received several coveted industry awards. Cassa talks openly about the need for persistence, seizing lucky breaks and defying conventional wisdom.
