Who We Are
Pointe Black
As a traditionally ‘elite’ and European art form, ballet is systemically inaccessible to many people. Pointe Black breaks these boundaries by giving Black and other non-white people access to ballet and its creative, mental health and physical benefits.
All our classes are beginners friendly, with an inclusive studio where everyone can turn up as themselves unapologetically.
Community is at the heart of everything we do, using ballet to reach a number of people across the globe. With non-profit projects in our local South London area, across to the North of the city, and even spanning to Guatemala, Pointe Black is more than a dance school, it is a movement; and we are just getting started.
There is a lot of work to be done in bringing the culture into ballet, but with your help, we are on our way.
Ruth Essel: Principal & Founder
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Ruth started Ballet when she was 3 years old and although she fell in love with art, she knew the industry had a lot of work. After dealing with microaggressions as a Black dancer, she took a vow to help young people experience a different dance world to she did. She’s performed in theatres such as Sadler’s Wells, the Royal Albert Hall, and His Majesty’s Theatre.
Ruth is highly passionate about wellbeing being a mental health survivor and trained psychologist. This is the basis of the nurturing ballet studio she has created, with positive affirmations at the end of all young ballerina’s classes.
“Who would have thought, I'd be pointing my toes to RnB! Pointe Black has transformed my idea of ballet and has made it so relatable.I've always shied away from ballet as I felt that I didn't look like your 'traditional' ballerina. Thank you Pointe Black for giving me the opportunity to try out ballet.’’’
— K.J. Adult class