Children’s show

Words: Elodie Marriott
Image: Brian Hartley

3 stars

Boys Don’t Dance is an uplifting performance about a boy’s journey of self acceptance and his love for dance.

The show presents a powerful juxtaposition between the carefree leaps and kicks he performs when alone, to the feelings of shame that others induce in him. This is best shown in the sequence where he tries on his mother’s dress. At first joyful and full of self expression, his movements eventually turn knotty and strained. He pulls the fabric over his head, hiding or suffocating under the clothes he was so excited to try on. The choreography is highly emotive, and effectively conveys both his passion and his internal struggle. 

In an energetic duet, the boy dances with his older self, the former on a BMX and the latter in a wheelchair. They race playfully up and around the wooden ramp on stage, showcasing lively stunts and a solid partnership. In a solo, the older dancer whirls around in controlled spins, his movements fluid, strong, and symbolic of his evolution from childlike discovery to inner confidence.

Boys Don’t Dance is a special show made even more so by its efforts to be as inclusive as possible. The relaxed performances, captions, and sign language interpretation ensure that “everyone is welcome in this space”.

Boys Don’t Dance
DB1 at Assembly @ Dance Base
13.15
7-23 Aug