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Theatre Royal Stratford East, LondonThe rich abilities of the dancers are beautifully showcased in the double bill of Say It Loud and Black SunOver the past 21 years, Ballet Black have blazed many trails. The troupe of black and Asian dancers have proved an indie ballet company can thrive, attracting an impressive calibre of choreographers despite precarious funding. Their dancers have different body shapes; they have created bronze and brown pointe shoes, and chucked out their ballet tights. There’s even the fact that one of them is wearing glasses in tonight’s performance – a minor detail but something I’ve never seen before on a ballet stage.This double bill is a well-deserved celebration of two decades in the business, doing things their way. The autobiographical Say It Loud doesn’t shy away from challenges the company has faced: the voiceover tells us of social media trolls, the constant questioning of their purpose, the demand for them to be spokespeople rather than just dancers. But artistic director Cassa Pancho, who created this piece with the performers, effects a graceful light touch. It’s wry, hopeful, determined, proud, indignant and – more than anything – joyful, dancing through a soundtrack from grime artist Flowdan to calypsonian Lord Kitchener to Etta James.At Theatre Royal Stratford East, London, until 21 May. Then touring until 22 June. Continue reading...