January 29th: Today’s Feature

January

Brenda Garratt-Glassman, born in 1955 to Guyanese parents, embarked on her dance journey at the tender age of eight when she enrolled at the prestigious Joyce Butler School of Dance. Despite the prevailing expectations for her to pursue a career in "cabaret" performing, it was Butler who recognised her exceptional talent and foresaw the challenges she would face as a Black dancer seeking opportunities abroad due to racial barriers.

At the age of 16, Garrett-Glassman found herself performing in front of an audience that included the director of the esteemed Royal Academy of Dance. This fortuitous encounter led to an audition for the renowned Royal Ballet School, marking a significant turning point in her life. From 1971 to 1973, she became the first Black student to attend the Royal Ballet Upper School, where she honed her skills and immersed herself in the world of classical ballet.

However, despite her undeniable talent and dedication, Garrett-Glassman faced discrimination and prejudice within the ballet industry. She was informed that she would not be offered a position in the main company solely because she was black. Undeterred, she persevered and continued her training at The Place, a contemporary dance institution, which was financially supported by the Royal Ballet School. This decision was made with the belief that her future as a professional dancer would lie in genres beyond classical ballet.

Upon completing her training, Garrett-Glassman seized an incredible opportunity and joined the Dance Theatre of Harlem. This groundbreaking dance company provided her with a platform to showcase her skills and artistic expression. As a member of the original casts for Geoffrey Holder's Dougla (1974) and Talley Beatty's Caravansarai (1974), she left an indelible mark on the world of dance, contributing to the rich tapestry of Black excellence in the performing arts.

Glassman's dancing career took her to the big screen, where she showcased her talent in iconic films such as Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom (1984) and Streets Ahead (1986). Her performances in these movies were nothing short of mesmerising, captivating audiences with her grace and skill.

In 1985, Glassman's career took a new turn when she was chosen to be part of the original London production of Mutiny!. She played the roles of both a "Maiden" and a "Principal Dancer," showcasing her versatility and ability to bring characters to life through her dance. This production was a significant milestone in her career, solidifying her reputation as a talented and sought-after performer.

Beyond her performances on stage and screen, Glassman also made a significant impact in the world of dance education. When her first ballet teacher, Joyce Butler, passed away in 2005, she entrusted her West London-based school to Glassman and another former student, Vanessa Hoskins-McTaggart. Together, they took on the responsibility of co-owning and teaching at the school, ensuring that Butler's legacy would continue to thrive. Glassman's dedication to passing on her knowledge and passion for dance is evident in her commitment to the school.

Glassman's expertise in ballet also led her to serve as the senior ballet assessor at Trinity College, London. In this role, she played a crucial part in evaluating and assessing the skills and abilities of aspiring ballet dancers. Her experience and knowledge in the field made her a respected figure in the dance community, and her contributions to the development of young dancers were invaluable.

While Glassman's journey in the world of dance has taken her to various stages and roles, her passion for the art form remains unwavering. From her early days as a performer in films to her later endeavours in teaching and assessing, Glassman's dedication to dance shines through in every aspect of her career. Her talent, versatility, and commitment have made her a true force to be reckoned with in the world of dance.

“No matter what anyone says, know your worth. You are already enough.”

- Brenda Garratt-Glassman