Choreographer Marc Brew, known for his 2024 acclaimed production An Accident/A Life—which detailed the car crash that left him paralysed below the waist at age 20—has returned to autobiographical themes with his latest work. In this new piece, Brew explores his formative years growing up in rural Australia. Surrounded by sheep and a football-obsessed culture, the young Marc, portrayed by dancer Ross Malloy, faces constant pressure to conform to the belief that boys should not dance.
The production excels at showcasing the innate joy of movement. Malloy captures the rhythm of his character’s life, transitioning from high-energy routines inspired by Footloose to a nostalgic soundtrack featuring Wham!, Culture Club, and Jem. The performance is a vibrant blend of jazz, disco, and acrobatic moves, punctuated by BMX tricks. It serves as both a celebration of 1980s childhood freedom and a poignant look at the isolation of hiding one’s true identity, particularly during the moments Malloy’s character performs in his mother’s clothing while she is away.
Wheelchair Latin dance champion Piotr Iwanicki portrays the adult version of Brew, offering a reflective perspective as he reconciles with his past. The two performers share a compelling synergy on stage, supported by Jamie Wardrop’s simple yet effective animated backdrop. As the narrative progresses, the visual design shifts from monochrome to neon, mirroring Brew’s journey toward self-discovery and freedom in the city.
While the show is designed for an audience aged eight to 13, making it less complex in its emotional and choreographic scope, it remains a warm and engaging production. Parents in the audience may find themselves particularly drawn to the specific cultural references of the era. The show is currently running at Assembly @ Dance Base in Edinburgh until 23 August. The report also notes that and also of the boredom and freedom of an 80s childhood, it’s a reminder of the power of pop music. The report also notes that so it’s not the most complex dramatically, emotionally or choreographically – and their parents might get more out of the cultural references – but it’s a, boys Don’t Dance was created with eight to 13-year-olds in mind. The report also notes that and cartoon pop star Jem, to the theme from Wonder Woman or jingles for Gillette.
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