Combat Study I is the display of an art form as opposed to presenting sport. There are no judges because art is subjective. By removing the constraints of judges' verdicts and freeing fighters from coaches' critiques, we release the creative stronghold that has overtaken the sport—one that often leaves fighters afraid to unleash their true skill set for fear of receiving the proverbial bad grade, both literally and figuratively.
Combat Study encourages every opponent to perform at their optimum, expressing the full depth of their craft without the pressure of scorecards or opinions. The focus shifts from winning a decision to presenting a performance.
Throughout the evening, we pay homage to an array of Black composers, including Joseph Bologne, Florence Price, William Dawson, and many others. Their music provides the soundtrack to a production that celebrates the beauty, discipline, and artistry of movement.
Fighting, art, and music are deeply woven into Black culture and are as much a part of it as sweet potato pie.
Combat Study I: The Black American Ballet is a celebration of athleticism, creativity, and cultural expression—where the boxing ring becomes the stage, every exchange becomes choreography, and every performance is a work of art. make image flyer
