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Madonna shares powerful 'Dark Ballet' video starring Mykki Blanco as Joan of Arc

Pop icon releases her new album Madame X on 14 June

Roisin O'Connor
Music Correspondent
Friday 07 June 2019 12:26 BST
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Madonna announces new album Madame X

Madonna has released a stunning video for “Dark Ballet”, the fifth and final single from her forthcoming album Madame X.

The visuals were directed by Emmanuel Adeji and stars fellow artist Mykki Blanco as Joan of Arc, who faces down various religious figures and dances in the face of persecution.

See the video, below:

Blanco also mouths the lyrics: “‘Cause your world is such a shame/’Cause your world’s obsessed with fame,” Madonna sings on the chorus. “‘Cause your world’s in so much pain/’Cause your world is/’Cause your world is up in flames.”

The clip closes with a powerful spoken-word segment from Blanco: “I have walked this earth, Black, Queer and HIV positive, but no transgression against me has been as powerful as the hope I hold within.”

“Dark Ballet” follows the previous singles “Future” featuring Quavo, “Crave” with Swae Lee, “I Rise” and “Medellin” featuring Maluma.

Madame X is released on 14 June.

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