Royal Ballet celebrates Black female choreographers in Black History Month Draft Works

Elena Leo is the Arts & Lifestyle Editor of Ikon London Magazine.

Curated by Marcelino Sambé | 6–7 October 2025, Clore Studio

This October, The Royal Ballet marks Black History Month with an evening of bold new choreographic voices in Draft Works – a platform for experimentation, dialogue, and artistic risk-taking.

Curated by Royal Ballet Principal dancer Marcelino Sambé, the 2025 edition is devoted entirely to the work of emerging Black female choreographers. Over two nights in the Clore Studio, five choreographers – including three debuting new works – present pieces that explore movement, music, and identity through their own sharply distinct lenses.

Royal Ballet Artist Rebecca Myles Stewart and Company Wayne McGregor alumnus Hannah Joseph both create new work for Royal Ballet dancers, while Olivier Award-winning dancer Isabela Coracy returns with a piece performed by members of Ballet Black. Also on the bill are Sadler’s Wells Young Associates BLUE MAKWANA and Elisabeth Mulenga – the former choreographing a new work for Royal Ballet artists and Aud Jebsen Young Dancers, the latter for a cast of standout freelance artists.

All works will be set to music by Black composers and musicians, and lighting across the evening is designed by acclaimed artist Prema Mehta.

Following on from previous editions curated by Joseph Toonga (2023) and Joseph Sissens (2024), this year’s Draft Works takes its cue from Sambé’s own journey exploring the legacy and influence of Black musical artists.

“Being part of this project has been a real privilege,” Sambé says. “These five choreographers are essential voices in the future of choreography. The way they work, communicate, and transform vision into movement has been completely inspiring. Let’s keep our eyes on them – they are our future, and it’s a future that looks pretty extraordinary.”

Tickets are £25 and available via rbo.org.uk