Get ready to witness a thrilling fusion of talent, creativity, and innovation as Boy Blue, the Olivier Award-winning hip hop dance theatre company, steps into the spotlight as the next Guest Artistic Director of National Youth Dance Company (NYDC) for 2024/25. This electrifying partnership promises to redefine the boundaries of hip hop dance theatre and nurture the next generation of young artists, setting the stage for an exhilarating journey into the world of dance.
Founded in East London in 2001 by Michael ‘Mikey J’ Asante and Kenrick ‘H2O’ Sandy, Boy Blue has been a trailblazing force, shaping the landscape of hip hop dance theatre across the UK. Their unwavering commitment to empowering young individuals to carve out their own narratives and express themselves through dance has left an indelible mark, with thousands of aspiring talents benefitting from their educational initiatives.
The ethos of Boy Blue, encapsulated by the 3 E’s – ‘Education, Enlightenment, and Entertainment’, resonates deeply within their work. Emancipation of Expressionism, a creation by Boy Blue, is now integrated into the GCSE dance syllabus, exemplifying their dedication to educating and inspiring young minds through the art of dance.
Renowned for their acclaimed productions such as the Olivier Award-winning Pied Piper and Blak Whyte Gray, Boy Blue’s influence extends beyond the stage. Their collaboration with director Danny Boyle on Free Your Mind, a reimagining of The Matrix, and Sandy’s choreography for the 2012 London Olympics opening ceremony underscore their prowess as visionary creators.
Kenrick ‘H2O’ Sandy expressed his honor in nurturing young artists, emphasizing the importance of providing a platform to share knowledge and mentorship, thereby enriching the wider dance community. Hannah Kirkpatrick, Head of National Youth Dance Company, echoed the excitement surrounding Boy Blue’s leadership, highlighting their exceptional experience in hip hop dance theatre and dedication to fostering emerging artists.
As NYDC begins its search for the next cohort of young dancers, workshops will be conducted across England, offering aspiring talents the opportunity to join forces with Boy Blue and create a groundbreaking new commission premiering in April 2025. The nationwide tour featuring this year’s NYDC cohort, including the premiere of Oona Doherty’s new work Wall, promises to captivate audiences with its dynamic performances and artistic excellence.
For those eager to be a part of this exhilarating journey, sign up for the NYDC workshops on the National Youth Dance Company website. Don’t miss the final audition at Sadler’s Wells on Sunday 28th July 2024, as it heralds the beginning of an inspiring new chapter in the world of dance.