ZoieLogic’s Annual Report 25
Get Guys Dancing: Redefining perceptions in dance
This article is part of our Annual Report 25, tap below to see the full report
We are leading the way in creating access to dance, nurturing talent, challenging perceptions of who dance is for and celebrating positive male identity. And we’ve been doing it since 2000, it’s where our story began…
1. Inspiring Passion and Creativity
Our spaces gave boys the freedom to move, express, and belong. Across 32 ManMade workshops, over 250 boys, many in their first ever male only creative space, found joy and connection through dance. The sense of achievement was clear in their reflections and performances.
2. Unlocking Dance as Holistic Physical Activity
This year Get Guys Dancing continues to demonstrate the broader skills development that dance and movement can offer. Participation in male only non-competitive physical activity enhances teamwork, communication, resilience, self-expression, emotional awareness and confidence. Fuzzy engaged 19 young men and boys long term across 145 sessions for our 3 youth companies.
FuzzyLogic’s focus on performance development showed increased commitment, connection and reflective capacity, highlighting the wider personal and social development benefits of co-creation and sustained engagement.
3. Celebrating Achievement and Building Legacy
With 6 public performances of a brand-new FuzzyLogic work, including 2 ManMade platforms (Newbury and Southampton), boys took centre stage. 463 audience members witnessed their growth and talent. Meanwhile, older FuzzyLogic members progressed into leadership and mentoring roles keeping the legacy alive.
“This was a magical evening and it was so good to see young people both in the audience and on the stage so enthusiastic and expressing themselves through dance”
— Cllr Katherine Barbour, ManMade Solent Audience Member
Watch RISE, a film made with boys taking part in ManMade 2025
4. Expanding Representation and Accessibility
Our work reached boys from diverse backgrounds. Thanks to full subsidy from the Backstage Trust, the Southampton ManMade platform removed financial barriers and welcomed schools from across the region. This year also saw the expansion of FuzzyClear with the addition of a brand-new class for younger participants tailored to boys aged 7-11 with autism and other sensory differences.
5. Strengthening ZoieLogic’s Sector Leadership
ZoieLogic continued to be recognised for bold, high-quality male engagement in the arts. The success of FuzzyLogic, increased demand for ManMade, and the launch of our ‘RISE’ film all reinforced our reputation as national leaders redefining dance for boys and young men.
What we’re seeing:
- Dance builds more than skill, it’s building identity.
- Our work is sparking sustained engagement and shaping future pathways in dance and beyond.
- We’re reaching more diverse male communities, providing non-competitive, male-led environments.
We’re not just getting guys dancing. We’re growing confidence, connection, and creativity while advocating for the power of dance.