Throughout October, we want to bring awareness to important Black figures. By highlighting the challenges that the Black community has endured, we hope to help understand and support the modern community that continues to thrive today.

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Julie Felix, 1958 – present.  

Britain’s first professional Black ballerina. 

Julie Felix is Britain’s first Black pro ballerina. Julie has performed for US presidents, Royalty, Birmingham Royal Ballet and the closing ceremony of the Los Angeles Olympics.  

She has had great successes in her professional career, but this has not been without pushbacks from the industry she has since dominated. She was turned down by a leading dance company because of the colour of her skin.    

Despite the constant pushbacks and at times life threatening performances. She continued with her passion and after 11 years in New York, Julie returned to Britain to teach for Sadler’s Wells Royal Ballet, first in London. She then moved to Birmingham in 1990, when the company became the Birmingham Royal Ballet.   

Now based in Cornwall, Julie has a strong connection with the county, where her family used to holiday when she was a child.  

Recognising her work as a world class dancer, Falmouth University named her as an Honorary Fellow in 2022. 

To see more Black History Month profiles, news, resources and events, visit the SU Black History Month hub. 

www.thesu.org.uk/blackhistorymonth