Learn about the hidden history of Black British ballet from the 1940s to the present day.

Hear the stories of the pioneers, from those who were denied work in the UK to those who finally managed to smash the colour bar in Britain’s biggest companies.

The talk is followed by a Q&A session.

Dr Sandie Bourne is an experienced dancer, choreographer and researcher, specialising in the historic under-representation of black artists in British ballet institutions. Her other research areas cover black British dance including traditional Caribbean and African dance, street dance and Carnival. She has toured the UK bringing the history of black dancers in British ballet to universities and audiences around the country. She is the producer of Island Movements, a short, Windrush themed ballet that explores the experiences of a Caribbean family that came to the UK in the 60s and toured the UK from October 2023. Sandie also currently sits on the Executive Committee of the Society for Dance Research.

This event is brought to you by Surrey Libraries' Imagination Spaces programme, Oxygen Arts (https://www.oxygenarts.com/), Black British Ballet (https://blackbritishballet.com/) and Arts Council England (https://www.artscouncil.org.uk/).

Key Booking Information:

This event is suitable for adults and children from 11 years old.

The session will start at 1pm and run for 90 minutes.

Tickets are available with a donation. (Suggested donation is £2 per person attending).

Please book ONE ticket per BOOKING/GROUP. You will be then asked to confirm the size of your party in your booking).

Please arrive 10 minutes early.

Please bring your ticket with you (on your phone is fine).

Woking Library and Dr Bourne are looking forward to seeing you!

If you have any additional needs or require any special assistance, please let us know prior to the event by contacting library.events@surreycc.gov.uk (https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/story-detectives-are-coming-back-to-surrey-libraries-tickets-1312946541449?aff=oddtdtcreator). The inbox is managed Mon-Fri 9am-5pm.

If you are not able to or do not wish to provide us with any contact details (landline or mobile number and email address) you won’t be able to purchase a ticket online. Please visit the library that is hosting the event to purchase a ticket in person.

Description supplied by the event organiser.