Boys Will Be Boys - masculinity on pointe
LAUNCH EVENT SAT 16th OCT 7.45pm - 10pm - Lighthouse Poole
Portraits of more than 40 male ballet dancers, by multi-award-winning photographer, Jayne Jackson. The project documents different interests and identities of the teen and pre-teen boys.
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.’
The images are to be shown at Top Floor Gallery Lighthouse, Poole, from 18th October until end November 2021 as solo exhibition, to coincide with National Boys Dance Day on 23rd October.
Exhibition details:
Funds raised will be used towards production and exhibition costs for a variety of captivating, colour portraits & a short film. These will be shown as a solo exhibition, to coincide with National Boys Dance Day, Lighthouse Poole, Sept/Oct2021. As we hope to produce an accompanying book.
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Photographer BIO - Jayne Jackson is a multi- award-winning social-action, dance & theatrical photographer & change-maker.
Her personal work, has been featured by The BBC, Radio 5Live and The Independent, as well as shown in a variety of exhibitions and publications, all aimed at positive social change.
"I strongly feel that photography can be a powerful tool for good. I am extremely motivated in that respect.
My personal work is centred around empowerment, promoting mental health & equality. I often work with charities, for example, Mind, Dorset Mind, STARS Dorset.
I’m also a volunteer and Trustee for The Shine Project, which empowers and supports teenage lives.
‘Boys will be Boys’ is my latest creation, combining both of my talents in social action and dance photography. It is an uplifting set of beautiful images or talented individuals, I feel privileged to have documented"