In the heart of East Austin, a city known for its quirky nature and eclectic art scene, Ballet Afrique is making waves with a powerful mission – to validate the worth of Black dancers. China Smith, the founder of the contemporary dance studio, has established a place not only to practice African, ballet, and modern dance but also to send a profound message of inclusion. "Everything I’ve done has been to try to validate their worth," Smith stated in an interview with KVUE, reflecting on the inspiration behind her creation of Ballet Afrique in 2008.
The company’s reach extended to include Chas Moore, an Austin activist well-known for his work with the Austin Justice Coalition. Moore ventured to boldly challenge his comfort zone, making his ballet debut in Ballet Afrique's production of Duke Ellington's The Nutcracker Suite – a cultural remix of the holiday classic set against the backdrop of the Harlem Renaissance. The decision to cast such a pivotal community figure ties into the studio's ethos of reshaping cultural narratives within the arts. Moore seemed thrilled by the opportunity, stating, "This marks a significant departure for me as someone who hasn't been deeply involved in dance before," in an announcement reported by CultureMap Austin.
Ballet Afrique's rendition reimagines the traditional "Nutcracker" which typically takes place in a grand mansion, and sets it instead within a modest apartment, emphasizing that the essence of the performance isn’t tied to wealth or grandeur. Smith shared with KVUE, "It’s just to show that dreams and fantasy and dancing and smiles don’t have to take place in mansions and rich spaces."
Moore's casting as the Rat King, a character traditional to the Nutcracker story, brings an interesting contrast to his real-life role fighting against oppressive systems, a subtlety not lost on audiences. "Art, in all its forms, has the power to bridge gaps and communicate messages that words sometimes cannot," Moore elaborated in an Instagram post cited by CultureMap Austin. To ensure that their powerful message is shared widely, Ballet Afrique is donating 100 tickets for the show to children in need, extending their impact to foster youth, Kristin Finan praised the initiative for creating a meaningful impression of diversity on stage.
With plans to continue to highlight the power of representation in dance and the arts throughout the year, Ballet Afrique sets the stage, quite literally, for a season of both captivating performances and intentional social engagement. Locals and visitors looking to witness a fresh take on a classic with an empowering twist can catch Duke Ellington's Nutcracker Suite as it opens Ballet Afrique's 2024 season at The Paramount Theatre in Austin.
