Pioneers of Black British Ballet – In Conversation with Darren Panton

Black dancers have been present in British ballet from at least the 1940s onwards but the presence and contribution of these pioneers has been largely forgotten. The Black British Ballet project aims to change this by celebrating the lives of these trailblazers.

Darren Panton was the first Black dancer to graduate from the Royal Ballet School’s White Lodge. He has danced with Rambert Contemporary Dance Company, Birmingham Royal Ballet and London City Ballet. He also worked with the Royal Ballet’s Chance To Dance programme as a teacher.

Darren has performed in many theatre productions including The Lion King and Notre Dame de Paris. He has danced with artists like Blackstreet, Billie Piper and The Verve and performed with a wide array of artists including Beyonce, Usher, Diana Ross, Elton John and Kylie Minogue.

This event is organised with the Friends of Durning Library. Refreshments available (donation £3 suggested).