Kioni, 10, practices on the barre during her ballet class at Pointe Black Ballet School in south London, Britain, July 22, 2023. The iconic image of a ballet dancer remains light-skinned, even though the artform - which originated in the Italian Renaissance as court entertainment - has expanded globally with stars from Asia, South America and Cuba. Ruth Essel, 30, founder of Pointe Black Ballet School, wants to speed up change by disrupting the status quo. "We incorporate African steps and music styles in our shows," she said. "I have afros. I have plaits. I have perm rolls. I have twist. I have Afro puff bunches. And it's really just about celebrating the person no matter where they come from." REUTERS/Alishia Abodunde SEARCH "ABODUNDE BALLET SCHOOL" FOR THIS STORY. SEARCH "WIDER IMAGE" FOR ALL STORIES.
