BALLET BLACK
Ballet Black is an organisation dedicated to highlighting the talents of black and asian dancers in the field of classical ballet through performance, teaching and educational programmes.
Financial health, per its FY2025 accounts
The accounts state that the charity reported a net expenditure deficit of £121,309 for the year ended 30 September 2025, resulting in a decrease in total net assets from £754,321 to £633,012. The trustees maintain a reserves policy targeting £300,000 for operational stability, and the designated Operational Reserves Fund balance stood at £300,000 at year-end, meeting this specific target. However, the charity is dependent on securing new sponsorship to replace a three-year funding commitment from Nike that ended in July 2025.
What the accounts disclose
“There was 1 employee whose annual remuneration was more than £60,000 (2024: 1) . This employee's total benefits excluding employer's pension costs was within the £70,000-£80,000 range.” — page 25
“There was 1 employee whose annual remuneration was more than £60,000” — page 25
“The current target level for the fund is £300,000.” — page 7
“Trustee C Pancho received remuneration of £84,589 (2024: £82,362) including £3,522 of pension contributions for professional services as Artistic Director, Choreographer and CEO.” — page 24
“During the year the charity entered into the following transactions with related parties: Physiobase.com Ltd and Physiobobs Jobs Limited received payments of £48,730 (2024: £46,730) for goods and services rendered to Ballet Black. These companies are owned by R Bolton, spouse of Trustee C Pancho.” — page 30
Year-over-year changes
- Top pay band moved from £80,001 - £90,000 (FY2024) to £70,001 - £80,000 (FY2025).
Structured financials (annual return, FY ending 30/09/2025)
Trustees
- Akilah Matangaidze
- Althea Efunshile CBE
- Andrea Davidson Ndukwe
- Anna Prag
- Cassa Pancho MBE
- Christopher Hampson
- Louise Small
- PATRICIA KEIKO HAMZAHEE
- Sandra Eustene Meadows
- Tonye Vianana
Income and spending
| Financial year end | Income | Spending |
|---|---|---|
| 30/09/2025 | £1.1m | £1.2m |
| 30/09/2024 | £1.0m | £1.1m |
| 30/09/2023 | £969k | £1.0m |
| 30/09/2022 | £1.0m | £888k |
| 31/08/2021 | £830k | £593k |
Common questions
Is BALLET BLACK financially healthy?
Per its FY2025 accounts: The accounts state that the charity reported a net expenditure deficit of £121,309 for the year ended 30 September 2025, resulting in a decrease in total net assets from £754,321 to £633,012. The trustees maintain a reserves policy targeting £300,000 for operational stability, and the designated Operational Reserves Fund balance stood at £300,000 at year-end, meeting this specific target. However, the charity is dependent on securing new sponsorship to replace a three-year funding commitment from Nike that ended in July 2025. Its FY2025 accounts were audited by Saffery LLP.
What does the highest-paid employee of BALLET BLACK earn?
Per its FY2025 accounts, the highest-paid employee was in the £70,001 - £80,000 band, and 1 employees earned over £60,000.
Who funds BALLET BLACK?
Funders whose own accounts filings name BALLET BLACK as a grant recipient include JOHN ELLERMAN FOUNDATION, THE IDLEWILD TRUST, THE MILLBY FOUNDATION, SCHRODER CHARITY TRUST, THE AUSTIN AND HOPE PILKINGTON TRUST.
Known funders
| Funder | Year | Amount | Purpose (as stated by the funder) |
|---|---|---|---|
| JOHN ELLERMAN FOUNDATION | FY2025 | £120k | Towards the costs of commissioning at least one new ballet each year in 2025, 2026 and 2027 |
| THE IDLEWILD TRUST | FY2022 | £5k | |
| THE MILLBY FOUNDATION | FY2021 | £5k | |
| THE MILLBY FOUNDATION | FY2022 | £5k | |
| SCHRODER CHARITY TRUST | FY2024 | £4k | |
| THE AUSTIN AND HOPE PILKINGTON TRUST | FY2022 | £3k | Quarterly Grants for Institutions - Round Three - The Arts - BAME Communities |
| THE BUZZACOTT STUART DEFRIES MEMORIAL FUND | FY2022 | £500 |
Funders of similar charities
| Funder | Similar charities funded | Amount to them |
|---|---|---|
| THE LINBURY TRUST | 3 | £289k |
| STANLEY PICKER TRUST | 3 | £38k |
| MARIA BJORNSON MEMORIAL FUND | 2 | £635k |
| THE DORFMAN FOUNDATION | 2 | £529k |
| THE BUFFINI CHAO FOUNDATION | 2 | £150k |
| THE MARCHUS TRUST | 2 | £8k |
| THE LIZ AND TERRY BRAMALL FOUNDATION | 1 | £600k |
| The Keith Howard Foundation | 1 | £418k |
Charities like this
- BRITISH BALLET ORGANIZATION LIMITED
- BIRMINGHAM ROYAL BALLET
- MCNICOL BALLET COLLECTIVE
- ENGLISH NATIONAL BALLET
- GWENT BALLET THEATRE LIMITED
- NORTHERN BALLET LIMITED
Side by side with its peers
| Charity | Income | Top pay band | Staff >£60k | Reserves vs policy | Fundraising cost | Going concern |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BALLET BLACK | £1.1m | £70,001 - £80,000 | 1 | unclear | — | no doubt |
| BRITISH BALLET ORGANIZATION LIMITED | £1.1m | above £60,000 | 1 | below | — | no doubt |
| BIRMINGHAM ROYAL BALLET | £17.6m | — | — | unclear | — | no doubt |
| MCNICOL BALLET COLLECTIVE | £358k | — | 0 | above | — | no doubt |
| ENGLISH NATIONAL BALLET | £25.4m | — | — | unclear | — | no doubt |
| GWENT BALLET THEATRE LIMITED | £1.1m | — | 0 | above | — | no doubt |