INterview with the national boys dance day ambassador
For many dance is still seen as a girl’s pastime, the stereotype of young slender girls dressed in pink leaves little room for the strength, agility and athleticism of male dancers. Natalie Pearl the founder of The First Position School of Dance saw this barrier overcome year after year in the boys that she taught and wanted to do more than simply provide a space for boys only classes, so she created National Boys Dance Day, a day to encourage, empower and celebrate male dance in all its forms.
Last year, after an unprecedented number of applicants the first National Boys Dance Day Ambassador winner was named as Brandon Manston, a young man who impressed the judges with his passion for dance and his understanding of how privileged he already was to have found such support for his dreams of becoming a professional dancer.
We at Kidspeak believe that everyone of us should reach for our ambitions with both hands and couldn’t wait to interview Brandon and discover a little more about the year he has experienced as the NBDD Ambassador, how he feels about dance and where he is heading next.
Over the last year you have taken part in photoshoots, be mentioned on the BBC and The Times and The Sunday Telegraph newspapers and performed in numerous places.
What has been the highlight for you?
All of those things were pretty special, but the highlight was auditioning and being accepted at Matthew Bourne’s Cygnet School.
How did you start out in dance?
My mum was a dance teacher, so I used to go along to her classes when she was teaching and loved joining in from a very young age. Most people thought it was just a phase I would grow out of, but the more I danced the more I grew to love it.
Who have been the biggest influences for you so far?
Firstly, my mum, because without her I would probably never have even thought about dancing. Secondly, Natalie my dance teacher at First Position because of the guidance, support and inspiration she has shown me and everyone she teaches.
Have you had to deal with teasing or negative comments since you began dancing?
Yes. I suspect all boys who dance have experienced it, especially in ballet. Year 7 was a rough year for me at school but what kept me going was knowing that I had dance after school. No matter how much they tried to hurt or upset me it would never have made me quit as I knew by 3 pm I would be going to my happy place surrounded by people who loved and supported me.
As NBDD Ambassador what do you think we can do to change the stereotypes people hold about boys in dance?
More of what we’re already doing. Perception of boy’s dance has changed massively over the last few years. Programmes have shown it’s cool to dance. Social media and celebrity influencers all help to show that dancing is fun, great for your physical and mental health as well as making strong friendships.
What advice would you give to young boys who would like to try dance but are worried about what other people in their lives might think or say?
Don’t care about what anybody else says because in a few years time those people won’t mean anything to you. Find a style and a class you love and follow your dreams. You’re the only person in charge of your destiny so don’t let anyone stop you from doing what you love. Also give it time, when I first tried out ballet, I felt very awkward, but my mum made me do a term before I made a decision whether I liked it or not and I’m so glad she did as now its my favourite style of dance along with contemporary dance.
Looking forward, what are your biggest ambitions for your career?
My dream ambition is to go to dance college in London after I’ve finished my A’ levels and then become a professional dancer in Matthew Bourne’s company.
What is coming up next on your dance journey?
In September I’m starting at Matthew Bourne’s cygnet school and have also been accepted on the Rambert pre-vocational course which I’m hoping to take on as well.
We think you’ll agree that Brandon is an incredibly inspiring young man, and as he said when he first applied to be the National Boys in Dance Day Ambassador,