Marc Brew presents new work Boys Don’t Dance at Assembly @ Dance Base this Edinburgh Fringe, as part of the Made in Scotland showcase.
This poignant theatre show, aimed at 7 to 12-year-olds, reflects on Marc Brew’s own journey as a boy who defied society’s expectations to embrace his passion for dance. Memories unfold as the piece reflects on the loneliness of being the only boy in a rural Australian town who wanted to dance. Two dancers play a younger and older version of the same boy, reflecting Marc before and after acquiring a disability.
With choreography and direction by Marc Brew, dancers Piotr Iwanicki and Ross Malloy embody the movement with full energy and commitment throughout. They demonstrate incredible strength, agility, trust and partnership as they navigate remarkable movement with a wheelchair that leaves the audience gasping in awe. There is creative choreography in abundance, with intriguing moves involving a bicycle (bike-ography perhaps?).
A particular strength of Boys Don’t Dance is the emphasis on inclusion. Not only is Marc Brew Company an inclusive company that unites dancers with and without disabilities, but they also strive to be inclusive to the audience. This is an extremely positive element that will hopefully pave the way for more companies to follow.
On arrival, audience members are invited to scan a QR code which leads to a social story providing information about what to expect during the show. There’s also a Sensory Access Table, and a pre-show announcement encouraging audience members to move around and experience the show in whatever way is comfortable. The performance includes British Sign Language, and visual projections and animations further contribute to creating an immersive experience.
This is undoubtedly a performance that champions and celebrates differences, encouraging young audiences that they can follow their dreams and ambitions, and create their own path. Although this show has been created for children, with a nostalgic soundtrack and emotive storytelling it can surely be enjoyed by adults too.
A motivational watch, Boys Don’t Dance is a sincere dance work that exudes meaning and passion. Most importantly, it celebrates the fact that dance is for everyone!
Listings and ticket information can be found here
