Join our panel of black dance experts offering an insight of the rich, multifaceted contributions of black artists to the UK’s dance landscape. Hearing from Dr Sandie Bourne, Dr ‘Funmi Adewole Elliot, and Mercy Nabirye, we will explore the historical under-representation of black dancers in the British dance industry, and the contemporary challenges black dancers face. Reflecting on their decades of experience in the field, our panellists will discuss the intersection of black and African dance, storytelling, cultural knowledge, and power, and the initiatives they are part of aiming to create more inclusive spaces to support the next generation of black dancers, choreographers, and performers. The panel will be talking to Melissa Green, NFWI CEO, who will also be taking questions from the audience.

Panellist information:

Dr Sandie Bourne is a consultant on Black dancers in British Ballet. She is the director of Black British Ballet project which aims to document the history of Black dancers and choreographers in British ballet in the last century. Published chapters include: Tracing the Evolution of Black Representation in Ballet and the Impact on Black British Dancers Today in Akinleye, 2018, Looking Through the Keyhole in Brookes, 2018, Review on Halifu Osumare, ‘Dancing in Blackness, A Memoir’ in Dance Research, Vol 37.1 (2019), Portrayals of Black people in Western narrative ballets in Akinleye, 2021, Birmingham Royal Ballet Magazine – Autumn (2022), One Dance UK

Dr ‘Funmi Adewole Elliott is the founder of FAE Studios, which serves as a platform for her work in arts consultancy, dramaturgy, and performance practice. She holds a B.A. in Languages, an M.A. in Postcolonial Studies, a Professional Graduate Certificate in Education, and a Ph.D. in Dance Studies. She moved from Nigeria to Britain in 1994. For several years, she toured with physical theatre and African dance drama companies while simultaneously working as an arts consultant and volunteering as a dance advocate.

As Programme Leader and later Chair of the Association of Dance of the African Diaspora (now part of Dance UK), she spearheaded the ADAD Heritage Project—the first of its kind to present an photo exhibition of Black-led dance companies in the UK. She has an international reputation as a facilitator and keynote speaker, having led workshops, labs, and discussion groups in West Africa, South Africa, across Europe, and in Canada.

In 2019, she received a Lifetime Achievement Award from One Dance UK—the UK’s national body for dance—for her contributions to Dance of the African Diaspora. She taught in the Dance Department at De Montfort University, Leicester, for eight years before returning fully to independent practice in 2025. Her practice foregrounds the power of storytelling in performance, knowledge generation, and community-building. She is deeply committed to professional and sector development for independent arts practitioners, particularly those working with African and diasporic forms and within intercultural contexts. She contributes actively to several networks and initiatives in this field.

Mercy Nabirye is a consultant and creative producer for African Diaspora arts and founding Director of Kauma Arts working with individuals and organisations to connect communities globally, raise profiles, the practice and awareness of diverse arts. She is a fellow of the Windsor Leadership and The Royal Society for the Encouragement of the Arts (FRSA). She is a Trustee on several boards globally.

Her portfolio includes Arts Council England, One Dance UK/ADAD, Royal Borough of Greenwich Council, Birmingham Royal Ballet, Apples and Snakes. Her speaking engagements include topics on Strategy, leadership, arts, culture, creative exchange and Diversity. Born in Uganda and a local of London England, Mercy combines strategic leadership and management with an artistic background in Performing Arts, Music, Dance, Drama, Film, Photography and Literature. In September 2021, she received an Honorary Doctorate of Arts from University of East London, in recognition of her achievements.

The theme for BHM UK 2025 was “Standing Firm in Power and Pride,” a powerful tribute to the resilience, strength, and unwavering commitment to progress that defines the Black community across the globe. This year, the theme highlights the profound contributions made by Black people be they leaders, activists, or pioneers who have shaped history, while also looking towards a future of continued empowerment, unity, and growth.

The theme focuses on two core values: power and pride.