Boys will be Boys
The project documents different interests and identities of the teen and pre-teen boys, smashing stereotypes of boys in ballet.
The work explores male identity in a poignant and positive series, where a large and varied group of skaters, footballers, musicians, tennis and basketball players are united by their love for ballet.
It challenges the toxic notion that boys interests should be limited to stereotypically male norms and behaviours, which is harmful to men and society as a whole. In a world where ‘advertising, pop culture, and now toxic imagery is more accessible to young people through social media….young men are constantly confronted by toxic male culture and images of what it is to 'be a man'’ (Children’s Society 2021). Positive representation is essential for empowering children to grow up and be who they want to be, unfazed by out-dated gender stereotypes.
Dance Principle, Natalie Pearl, who was awarded the 2020 RAD Project B Award for Innovation winner for teaching of Male Dance, explained ‘Here we are in 2021 how can we still be surrounded by out-dated stereotypes and stigma about boys? Boys will be Boys celebrates everything that is so incredible about boys dancing. The power and strength of a generation of boys for whom dance is their passion on so many levels. My boys from First Position School of Dance and I are honoured to be a part of this awe inspiring and much needed project.’
Gerard Charles, Artistic Director of the Royal Academy of Dance commented “We believe that everybody can dance, and there should be no barriers or stigmas to prevent anyone from benefiting from being moved by dance. Jayne Jackson’s photographs strikingly represent RAD teacher Natalie Pearl’s wonderful students and how dance can be part of any of us. We are so inspired to see the personal fulfilment and accomplishment of them all displayed in this project. We join Ms. Pearl in proactively encouraging more male identifying dancers, and to increase accessibility and participation for all levels and ages.”
An image from the project was awarded an honourable mention at the 17th Julia Margaret Cameron Awards. It has also been awarded ‘Official Selection’ in the IPA 2022.
Previous exhibitions include:
Top Floor Gallery Lighthouse, Poole, Oct - Nov 2021 (solo exhibition)
Snapshot 22, Arts University Bournemouth, Feb 2022.
Press: Positive News Magazine, Dancing Times, Daily Echo & Dorset Lifestyle
In support of the boys in dance a boy's full year dance scholarship (2022) was co-funded by this project in 2022.
National Boys Dance Day is celebrated annually on 23rd October. @boysdanceday
Special Thanks to:
The wonderful dancers at First Position School of Dance
Project sponsors: @BrightestSelves, Harry Shaw Golf, First Position School of Dance and The Thrive Initiative
