From algebra to artistry!
Across two electric evenings on 18 and 19 March, we brought together over 250 boys and young men from 12 schools across the Solent region for ManMade 2026. Find out what happened below…
Posted 2 April 2026
Pictures by Matt Walker and words by Siobhan Waterhouse
With nearly 600 audience members across the two shows, the Mayflower Studios was full of energy, pride and proper community spirit, as families, friends and members of the public showed up to celebrate what happens when boys are given permission to move, express and connect.
Photos: Oasis Academy Lord’s Hill, Castle Hill Primary School and Pulse boys dance group from Thornden School perform on the Mayflower stage.
Photos: Redbridge Community School, Park Community School, Great Oaks School and FuzzyLogic on stage for Manmade 2026.
“After three brilliant workshops and extra rehearsals at school, ten of our students headed to Mayflower Studios to perform in Manmade. We’re incredibly proud to have taken part for the second year running, continuing to support ZoieLogic’s mission to challenge the stigma surrounding boys in dance.”
— Oasis Academy Lord’s Hill
ManMade is all about breaking down expectations and building something better in their place. About creating space for boys to be themselves, take risks, support each other and to discover that strength can look like creativity, teamwork, vulnerability and openness.
From September 2025, our dance facilitators worked with the schools and the boys to co-create pieces that meant something to the performers. Their themes included pressure in sport – and the benefits of kindness, to kids getting lost in time, collective decision making and the challenges of algebra!
“Our parents loved the evening and loved seeing boys from all round Hampshire inspired to dance. Enjoyed seeing there children happy while working outside their comfort zone.”
— School teacher
Participants main motivation for taking part was:
To improve fitness
25%
To try something new
46%
To build confidence
42%
To meet new people
29%
To take part in more dance
16%
To develop dance skills
38%
Participants agreed with the following statements:
My fitness has improved
33%
I feel stronger
46%
My coordination has improved
42%
I feel more confident
46%
My creativity has grown
33%
I have improved my ability to work as a team
50%
Our youth company FuzzyLogic performed their new touring piece, “The Forgotten Spark” at Manmade 2026. way to show other boys what dance can offer, and how joining Fuzzy can help them take their skills to the next level.
If you know any boys and young men who would like to experience what it’s like to be in our youth dance companies, they can sign up to our free taster session on Wednesday 15 April at Mayflower Studios.
Video: FuzzyLogic performing “The Forgotten Spark”
Photos: Anton Junior School, Oasis Academy Lord’s Hill, Oasis Academy Sholing and Wildern School performing on stage at Manmade 2026.
“I love how we were all brought together, there are people in the this group I didn’t know before and now we feel like a team”
— Participant in Manmade
“I thought dance was boring but now I know it is fun”
— Participant in Manmade
Following ManMade 2026, teachers have spoken about the pride of watching students step outside their comfort zones, seeing the boys’ personalities come alive in rehearsal and on stage, and witnessing a level of professionalism rarely seen with first-time stage performers.
For participants, the impact goes way beyond one performance. 95% said they’d do it again and all performers said they’d recommend ManMade to their friends. 87% said ManMade strengthened their belief in dance as a tool for wellbeing and that is at the heart of ManMade – shifting mindsets, building belonging and showcasing that when boys move together, they move forward.
Find out more about manmade
Find out more about our annual Manmade performance platform for boys and young men
Credits
Manmade by ZoieLogic is supported by Backstage Trust, in partnership with Mayflower. ZoieLogic Dance Theatre is supported using public funding by Arts Council England.
With thanks to dance artists Abi Aveson, Alex Evens, Robyn Holder, Thom Jones, Ben Rosie, Reuben Spencer, Emily Thompson-Smith, Nat Watson and the ZoieLogic team for creating the performances with the participating schools.