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Read on to find out more about ballet, its history and the inspiration behind Black Sabbath - The Ballet.
Where does ballet come from?
Ballet can trace its roots back to the 15th century, but many popular ballets such as The Nutcracker and Swan Lake were created in the 19th century. Companies around the world still perform these famous works 200 years later!
People understandably presume that ballet is from France, given the density of French words in ballet, but, the art form actually started in Italy and was introduced into France through the marriage of the Italian Catherine de Medici and French King Henry II.
Nowadays ballet comes in many forms, from classical to contemporary, but aspects such as dancing on pointe remain synonymous with the art.
When was BRB created?
We've been proud residents of Birmingham since 1990 – but we can trace our history back to 1931, London and Dame Ninette de Valois, our legendary founder, who, alongside Lilian Baylis, established the Vic-Wells Ballet (performing at both The Old Vic and Sadler's Wells).
After Sadler’s Wells was bombed during World War II, the company, now Sadler's Wells Ballet, started touring the country before being invited to become resident at the Royal Opera House in London when the war ended. Soon after, de Valois started a second sister company, again based at Sadler’s Wells and called Sadler’s Wells Theatre Ballet.
Both companies were awarded a Royal Charter in 1956 and after a few further changes of name the second company moved to Birmingham and became BRB.
Why Black Sabbath - The Ballet?
Black Sabbath - The Ballet is the second in a trilogy of creations that BRB Director Carlos Acosta wants to create for the city of Birmingham (the first being A City of A Thousand Trades).
When speaking to The Guardian in an interview about the new show, Carlos said:
“I’m working class – I am Black Sabbath. I’m trying to do the same things Black Sabbath achieved. The essence is the same. I understand why the music means so much to the fans, and why they crave it and how relevant they are. War Pigs, man, that’s the story of humanity right now.”
What's it like to watch a ballet?
If you've never been before, it's worth noting that ballets are notably different from other theatre shows.
Full-length ballets are typically in two or three acts, and often have two intervals. Ballet running times vary, with some lasting over two hours, and some being short 20-minute pieces which are often performed alongside other short ballets.
There's a lot of applause at a ballet show...
As a classical art form, ballet has many traditions that may be puzzling at first, such as applauding when the conductor arrives. In fact there is a LOT of applause throughout. It’s quite similar to cricket in that way! It’s best to just go with it...
What do people wear to our shows?
We often get asked 'what should I wear to the ballet?' Some people really dress up, some people come straight from work or in their jeans and t-shirts - none of these are better than the other!
We'd love to see audience members in their favourite Black Sabbath t-shirts, or, if you like even a tutu...!
Get inspired for the show by listening to our Spotify playlist
What's the history of Heavy Metal?
Black Sabbath are generally identified as the originators of heavy metal, inspiring many generations of bands that followed.
Black Sabbath's early influences were the British Blues movements and artists such as John Mayall and Alexis Korner. An industrial accident in a sheet metal factory nearly saw Tony Iommi's guitar playing career end before it began, but with perseverence (and inspired by how Django Reinhardt had relearnt to play after his hands were badly burnt some decades before), Tony was able to pick up the guitar (now down-tuned) once more with innovative plastic caps on the ends of his fingers.
This distinctive new sound was picked up by other bands and was a distinctive part of the style later in the 1970s named ‘heavy metal’, a term used because of the similarities to the sounds of industry, such as metalwork factories.
What's Black Sabbath's connection to Birmingham?
The members of Black Sabbath (Ozzy Osbourne, Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler and Bill Ward) were born in Aston, Birmingham. The band and their legacy are a proud part of the city of Birmingham. The band have multiple spots in Birmingham where the fans pay their respects, such as Black Sabbath Bridge and a spot on the Birmingham 'Walk of Fame'.
Lisa Meyer, creator of Home of Metal said ‘Their legacy is that in any city, in any town around the world there are young musicians creating their own version of Heavy Metal, the genre has evolved, and these musicians and fans owe that sound to Black Sabbath, who were born out of Birmingham, the Home of Metal and the city’s unique influence on Sabbath.’
What will this show sound like?
Like the band, this show will have a unique sound and we are proud to have had the knowledge and guidance of Tony Iommi. Composer Christopher Austin has worked closely with Tony to create the full ballet score.
When asked what he thought in an interview with The Guardian, the Black Sabbath legend said ‘Chris came over to my house and played me his ideas. It was great to see someone else’s impression of what we did. I was wondering how they would do it – would they just play our songs as we did them? And of course they don’t. There are little parts of us, then an interlude, then back in with another riff. I’ve heard loads of different versions of our music – accordions, everything. You name it, I’ve heard it. But this is really great.’
What's the heavy metal scene like today?
'Black Sabbath are loved the world over. Black Sabbath created a blueprint for a sound, they are the forefathers of the Heavy Metal genre, which 50 years later is still thriving.'
Lisa Meyer, Home of Metal
Do ballet and heavy metal REALLY go together?
This mashup of genres and styles has been one that captured the imagination of audiences from across the world. From what has been seen in rehearsals and played to Tony Iommi, it's clear that this unusual marriage may be one that's meant to be!
We hope to see you at Black Sabbath - The Ballet to find out for yourselves.
