Who was the first black royal ballet dancer?

Late ballet icon Johaar Mosaval was the first black royal ballet dancer as far back as the 1960s.

Mosaval had performed under the Royal Ballet for 25 years before he retired.

Subsequently, he was the first black South African to appear on local television.

In 1977, Mosaval established his own ballet school and became “the first black Inspector of Schools of Ballet under the Administration of Coloured Affairs.”

Who Was Johaar Mosaval?

Johaar Mosaval was a ballet dancer from South Africa, who toured different continents, dancing for the Royal Ballet company, during the 1960s.

Mosaval was born on January 8, 1928, and began working with the Royal Ballet (then called Sadler’s Wells Theatre Ballet) in 1951.

Mosaval rose through the ranks and toured around continental Europe, Australia, New Zealand, the Middle East, the Far East, Canada, and the United States.

Mosaval partnered with famous ballet dancers and played character dancing in many roles one of which is the Blue Bird in “The Sleeping Beauty.”

Upon retirement, Mosaval relocated permanently to Cape Town. He passed away on August 16, 2023, at the age of 95.