ZoieLogic’s Annual Report 25

Programme focus: We Are Holyrood Changemakers

An explainer

How does a dance company, a community, and a local business work together to create significant positive change? The answer is We Are Holyrood, powered by our Changemakers.

The Highlights

Over the past two years, the Changemakers scheme has evolved from a pilot initiative into a structured and increasingly successful commercial engagement strategy. This report highlights key successes and progress in 2023/24 and 2024/25, demonstrating sustained growth in income, partnerships, and stakeholder engagement.

“The young people are so passionate about it, ZoieLogic are so passionate about it and you can just see the difference it makes within the community, and for those young people’s lives as well”

— Mikaela Jubb, Underdog Recruitment

Growth to 8 active Changemakers, bringing in a combined income of £11,130 (excluding one-off donations).
Retained all 2023/24 Changemakers and added 3 new Changemakers starting for the financial year 2025/26.
Secured a one-off donation from Solent Power, funding a solar hybrid generator for The Hub. Resulting in avoiding 1,050 kg of CO2 emissions and powering the site with 92% renewable energy.
Developed stronger commercial propositions and digitalised the Changemaker onboarding process.
Achieved increased visibility and referrals through ongoing networking, joining Southampton B2B online meetings, and attending events like the Hampshire Business Show and Network My Club lunches.
Established a strategic connection with Quilter, leading to a £10,000 community funding application.

ZoieLogic’s Annual Report 25

Programme focus: Sector Skills

An explainer

At the heart of ZoieLogic’s work is a commitment to developing people—artists, facilitators, emerging talent, and creative leaders. We believe in creating space for learning, sharing, and real growth across the dance sector.

The Highlights

In 2024/25, we launched a new partnership with The Point, Eastleigh to deliver monthly professional classes for regional artists – engaging 60 participants and employing 11 freelance practitioners. We offered 3 work experience and shadowing opportunities, including a new link with Eastleigh College through Hampshire’s Inclusive Apprenticeships.

Progress in skills development and CPD was strong, with clear pathways now in place. Male facilitator recruitment was a highlight, with 7 new practitioners trained, many already contributing to the ManMade programme.

Successfully trained and onboarded 7 new male facilitators.
The Big Movement (TBM) workshop training delivered – 3 facilitators trained to deliver sessions using the Alpha Workbook-inspired programme.
Public CPD offer in co-creation in partnership with The Point delivered in March with 8 participants.
The Big Movement Workshop Training completed, supporting male-focused engagement.
Increased participation in professional classes, showing growing demand and engagement.
A broader, more in-depth sector CPD programme delivered.
Seven facilitators actively engaged in ongoing skill development through practical delivery and mentorship.
Three work experience and shadowing placements offered, supporting future sector talent in partnership with key organisations.

ZoieLogic’s Annual Report 25

Project focus: The Big Movement

An explainer

We’re on a mission to get thousands of men moving for men’s mental health. From dancing in workplaces to community centres, high streets to parks. Men will be moving towards the world’s first mass male dance event, set to take over Southampton in 2027: The Big Movement.

The Highlights

We delivered 10 school partnerships and one long-term programme with The New Forest Small School. This work enabled sustained employment for all 8 facilitators and included the successful delivery of new facilitator training, resulting in 7 newly trained male facilitators. Overall we engaged 160 participants via our school programme.

Sustained community consultation with 12 monthly steering group sessions, engaging 20 men consistently in shaping the project.
Ongoing adult dance activity through regular dance sessions for our adult company, The Collective.
Completed a choreographic research and development phase with national experts, informing future large-scale work.
Onboarded five city partners, including Solent Mind, ManGang, Saints Foundation, Abri, MAST Mayflower Studios, and Forth Engineering.
Commercial collaboration with a corporate business to deliver a workplace dance activation for men.
Hosted a launch event at MAST Mayflower Studios, alongside the creation of two digital outputs to support awareness and advocacy.
Worked with men’s coach Ryan Parke to explore perceptions of dance and its links to mental health.

ZoieLogic’s Annual Report 25

Project focus: ZoieLogic in Schools

An explainer

We specialise in getting young people interested in and taking part in dance, and enriching the dance curriculum.

We have over 20 years’ experience of providing dance education in both school and community settings. Our team is passionate about delivering high quality, accessible dance experiences for young people. We create a positive and safe environment to support teachers and students to develop their dance skills and creativity, by nurturing the courage to take risks and harnessing the imagination through play.

The Highlights

Exceeded workshop and successfully expanded reach to new schools and events.
Expanded school engagement working with Wildern School and Oasis Academy Lord’s Hill and strengthening key partnerships.
Provided professional development for new male facilitators and extended CPD opportunities to the wider dance sector.
Expanded the facilitator team, providing increased employment and development opportunities for artists and practitioners.

ZoieLogic’s Annual Report 25

Project focus: Stories in Motion

An explainer

Powerful and meaningful creativity starts right on your doorstep. Stories in Motion – our bespoke community projects are rooted in place, built in partnership with the people and organisations who live there. These projects are shaped by local stories, spaces, and voices bringing dance into the everyday and inviting communities to reimagine where and how it can happen.

The Highlights

In 2024/25, we delivered 26 bespoke community workshops through two co-creative projects in partnership with Hat Fair and the Wokingham Refugees Programme.

One of these projects was delivered with learning disabled performers through Blue Apple Theatre Company, facilitated by Hat Fair. We developed two partnerships with Hat Fair and established a key relationship with Wokingham Borough Council. In total, we engaged 86 participants.

In Wokingham, our work with young refugees provided a nurturing space for self-expression and emotional wellbeing through movement, with 70% of participants reporting improved mood and happiness.
The project enabled new friendships, cultural connection, and culminated in a proud, joyful performance for families, demonstrating strong demand for inclusive, high-quality creative access.
Meanwhile, at Hat Fair 2024, we marked the festival’s 50th anniversary by co-creating an uplifting opening ceremony with local groups including Blue Apple, Impulse Dance, and Florian Dance. Set against the bells of Winchester Cathedral, our collaborative performance celebrated community, diversity, and the power of outdoor arts to bring people together.

ZoieLogic’s Annual Report 25

Project focus: We Are Holyrood

an explainer

ZoieLogic Dance Theatre with the community of Holyrood estate are on a mission to create opportunities, challenge perceptions and illuminate the place we proudly call home — we call it, We Are Holyrood.

Holyrood is an inner-city estate in Southampton, surrounded by gentrification, 0.5 miles in diameter with over 2,500 residents and over 15 different languages spoken in this geographical area of the city alone.

The Highlights

This year, we have expanded our reach, deepened our impact, and cultivated a thriving space for artistic expression and inclusive participation. Our regular programming provided 24 dance sessions for young people, 12 dance sessions for adults, and 12 community drop-in sessions.

We delivered 2 youth dance platforms in Newbury and Southampton, partnering with 13 schools and organisations to deliver 32 workshops across the region. Thanks to successful funding from the Backstage Trust, the Southampton platform was fully subsidised, removing financial barriers for participating schools.

Monthly activity attendance exceeded our 20% growth target.
The Holyrood Hub alone drove a 77% increase in participation.
By the end of the year the total participant numbers grew by a further 27%, with young people transitioning into older age groups and three new recruits joining.
Engagement in intensive projects (The Hub, Film, Dance) surged by 70%, exceeding our 30% growth target.

ZoieLogic’s Annual Report 25

Project focus: ManMade

an explainer

ManMade is an all male youth dance platform that brings together young people from different secondary and primary schools, to push the boundaries of boys dance. We are so proud that ManMade offers a stepping stone for young people identifying as male to progress their dance skills.

Our unique approach provides specialist training from professional dancers and choreographers, resulting in a high profile celebration on a theatre stage.

The Highlights

ManMade exceeded expectations this year in workshop delivery, school engagement, and funding success — significantly increasing accessibility for young male dancers.

In total, 250 participants performed across the two platforms, and we sold 463 tickets.

Targets smashed: We exceeded workshop targets across both Newbury and Solent regions, surpassing initial targets.
Schools on stage: Strong school engagement securing 13 school and organisational partnerships, exceeding expectations and strengthening regional networks.
Generous support: Major funding success from the Backstage Trust enabled full subsidy for the Southampton platform, significantly improving accessibility and participation.
Diversity: Strong platform representation with excellent involvement from local schools and organisations, ensuring diverse and vibrant performances.

ZoieLogic’s Annual Report 25

Fuzzy Youth Dance Companies

A run down of our youth companies

FuzzyVision – In FuzzyVision classes boys are guided and supported on a journey of exploring new territory and exciting possibilities – no experience necessary.

FuzzyClear – A company for boys and young men with autism and other sensory differences. We explore ideas, stories and themes using improvisation, contact work, games, tasks and storytelling to create performances.

FuzzyLogic – A nationally acclaimed touring company for young men and boys to excel in dance and creativity. It is often a stepping stone for young males going on to study dance or work professionally.

The Highlights

This year we engaged 19 permanent members of Fuzzy, delivering 145 youth company sessions, producing 1 new work, and creating 6 performance opportunities. We expanded the FuzzyClear cohort by adding an additional weekly class for a younger age group and successfully rebuilt a younger FuzzyLogic cohort after the graduation of many long-standing members in 2023/24.

Nearly 200 hours of activity: We delivered 140 FuzzyWorld sessions and 5 intensive FuzzyLogic sessions, maintaining high engagement levels
Fuzzy on stage: FuzzyLogic premiered their new work, with 6 performances in and beyond the region.
Personal development: Internal progression was a highlight, with older company members stepping into a leadership role within ZoieLogic and another receiving targeted mentorship to support his development.

zoielogic annual report 25

Introduction from Zoie Golding MBE, Artistic Director and ben mcmahon, ZOieLogic chair

We are moving bigger, bolder, and stronger than ever! This year has been about breaking barriers, sparking movement, and proving that dance belongs to everyone.

From our Fuzzy Youth Companies, where we rebuilt and strengthened our cohorts, to ManMade, where 250 young men owned the stage, we’ve been pushing boundaries and championing change. Our work in Holyrood has flourished, with The Holyrood Hub driving a 77% surge in engagement, and our education programme has grown—training 7 new male facilitators to inspire and ignite the next generation.

And then, there’s The Big Movement. A game-changing three-year programme, bringing mass participation, powerful conversations, and transformative opportunities for men in movement. This is about rewriting the story – challenging perceptions, creating new pathways, and making space for more people to move, express, and belong.

But beyond the numbers, it’s the energy, the stories, the moments that matter. The young dancer who found his confidence. The community that came together through movement. The sheer joy of breaking down walls and making space for more people to dance.

— Zoie

This has been a year of incredible growth and impact for ZoieLogic. We have deepened our engagement with young people, expanded our educational reach, and strengthened our community, civic and business partnerships.

With the launch of The Big Movement, we are taking another bold step forward – championing more men into dance, challenging stereotypes, and promoting mental wellbeing through movement. This initiative, alongside our commitment to engaging young people and building strong partnerships, marks an exciting next chapter for ZoieLogic.

Continuing to challenge perceptions has shown that dance is truly for everyone, regardless of background, ability, or experience. As we approach our 25th year, we’re focused on sustainability, growth, and ensuring that the impact we’ve made continues to thrive for years to come. The future is exciting, and I’m incredibly proud to be part of this journey.

— Ben