Black in The Ballroom (BiTB) is the first UK project aimed at promoting equity and inclusion for dancers of Black Heritage in Ballroom and Latin American Dance.
Founded in October 2022 by professional dancer and UK Pro Champion, Oskar Odiakosa, in partnership with the TIRED Movement, BiTB sets out to tackle barriers to entry and encourage people of all backgrounds to take part in this beautiful art form, highlighting the specific need to encourage dancers of Black Heritage who are underrepresented.
BiTB offers weekly classes, private lessons, coaching, mentoring and other dance services to children and adults from all backgrounds. BiTB is an inclusive space, open to anyone who believes in our mission and shares our ethos.
BiTB encourages teaching and celebrating the rich history and contribution of Black African, Caribbean, Latin and other Black communities to the world of Ballroom and Latin Dance, from the smooth sounds of the slow foxtrot to the scintillating rhythms of the samba.
Our weekly dance classes for Adults and Children take place on Sundays at JJ Dance Studios in Beckenham. You are welcome to join at any time.
Children's Classes:
Adult Classes:
Please contact us before joining your first class so we know to expect you
For more information and to sign up, click the Opportunity Info link below!
The award has been named after the great Victorian Philanthropist, George Peabody. LSMT has established this Grant for those who are unable to afford to attend our training and who are currently underrepresented in the Industry.
The funding is designated for those of African or Caribbean heritage, South, East and South East Asian heritage, Middle-Eastern heritage or those who identify as bi-racial or multi-racial. There are several Grants of up to £5000 available.
Utopia Theatre is establishing an African Theatre Youth Academy to run regular performing arts classes and workshops to compliment the skills of young people 9-19 years with African oral storytelling and performance techniques to include acting, music, dance, learning a musical instrument, public speaking and film making etc.
What to expect: Workshops, Masterclasses, and Mentoring in a relaxed environment. A chance to participate in a performance (on stage or as part of the crew) every year
Workshops run on Thursdays.
Juniors: (9-13 years) 6-7 pm
Seniors: (14-19 years) 7-8 pm
In the final week of each month, there will be an opportunity to work with an industry expert in specific theatre skills.
Travel expenses will be covered for those who need them.
We aim to deliver a mentoring programme to a select number of participants to allow for deeper conversation, support and unique opportunities.
Mentoring programme aims:
- Improve access, education and progression opportunities for the next generation of black theatre talent.
- Provide young people with insight into theatre and the breadth of career opportunities available within the industry.
- Age specific guidance in three groups: 12-15 years, 16-18 years and 19-21 years, with mentors to provide ongoing support for young people to navigate their education and/or career.
Content explored:
- Black British Theatre history
- Contemporary jazz workshop
- Acting through song masterclass
- Lighting & sound workshop
- Costume & set design workshop
- Industry panel Q&A
A writing group for anyone aged 18+ who identifies as Black British, Black African or Caribbean.
Through fortnightly workshops the Black Writers Collective develop their own skills as writers through workshops, sharing of their own work with each other and public audiences, as well as hearing from invited industry guests. Previous guests have included Charlotte Bennett of Paines Plough, and writers and performers Nathan Bryon and Tyrell Williams.
“Thank you for giving us a space to explore, trust ourselves as writers and continued support!”
The Collective is free to join, although we may begin to operate a waiting list if there is a lot of interest.
We meet every other Monday from 7 – 8.30pm, both in person at Southwark Playhouse and online.
Artistic Directors of the Future is the first membership organisation dedicated to increasing the number of Black, Asian and ethnically diverse leaders in the arts.
Membership is open to theatre & live performance professionals (emerging, mid-career, established and career changers) and organisations worldwide.
What we do:
- Provide leadership training, events, and programmes for Black, Asian or ethnically diverse (Global majority) theatre/live performance creatives and professional at any stage of their leadership career. To check if you are eligible click here
- We partner with leading theatre and live performance organisations to diversify their networks and diversify their senior staff and trustees.
The Black Theatre & Film Directory is a global online database which features profiles of Black theatre and film talent right across the industry including performers and creatives.
Designed to expand awareness and visibility of Black expertise. It provides the international theatre and film industry with a pool of talent to enhance diversity and connection in theatre and film.
Find international Black theatre & film talent:
- Performers
- Creatives
- Theatre
- Organisations
- Film
- Vocational Teachers
Join the Black Theatre & Film Directory! If you are a Black performer, behind the scenes creative or theatre / film organization, register today to create your profile and be seen by the international theatre / film industry.
Sorry, under 18's are not currently allowed on this directory.
Free space to share film and digital projects.
Applications for Delivision are accepted on a rolling basis throughout the year.
Theatre Deli is inviting artists to project work onto the screen in the communal area of their Leadenhall Street venue. This is an unpaid opportunity, offering artists a platform to share their work with other creatives.
Your work can be on any theme or subject.
See our Accessibility Guide for information about access in our venue.
We particularly welcome applications from marginalised and underrepresented groups. We welcome applications from artists based in the UK and abroad.
Over 25 years ago Mountview created the UK’s first specialist three-year musical theatre training.
Decades later, our alumni continue to influence and shape the industry and Mountview is internationally renowned for the quality of its musical theatre tuition.
Early application is strongly encouraged.
COURSE CONTENT AND DELIVERY
Study takes place over three 12-week terms a year for three years. Students work in small classes and receive over 25 hours of direct teaching time each week, including one-to-one singing lessons.
The course is delivered through classes, projects, workshops and performance opportunities. During the course students engage in a range of performance projects, including Shakespeare, contemporary plays and musicals. The first half of each term is devoted to skills classes whilst in the second half of each term these skills are applied to performance projects.
In the second year, skills are further explored in collaboration classes which include peer integration and team teaching to enhance your creativity and help you to make connections between subjects.
Additionally, there is time given to tailored ‘surgeries’ to focus on detail and help develop independence and confidence in each individual’s practice.
Our 9-Week Saturday Youth Theatre Programme uses acting and drama activities to help young people become more confident communicators, creative thinkers and supportive team players. Whether your child loves performing or simply wants to build confidence and make new friends, they’ll gain skills that benefit them both on and off the stage. Free bursary places available!
