UrbanYOUTHMovement is a project run since 1998 by Black Grace and led by Artistic Director/Choreographer Neil Ieremia.  Young people aged 16 – 21 from all over Auckland can audition.

UrbanYOUTHMovement is a project run since 1998 by Black Grace and led by Artistic Director/Choreographer Neil Ieremia.  Young people aged 16 – 21 from all over Auckland can audition. The project aims to teach simple life skills through dance, such as; discipline, self-motivation, team-work, communication, and culminates in a professional dance performance season – though the focus of the project is the process, not so much the performance.

Renee Liang talks to Neil Ieremia about UYM.

“I told these young people that my perception of their generation is that they binge drink, are impatient and want everything NOW. They are unable to make a lasting commitment, are generally lazy and wouldn’t know what a hard days work was if it kicked them in the backside. Then I told them to prove me wrong.”

- Black Grace Artistic Director – Neil Ieremia

In your latest brief, you throw out a challenge to youth, to disprove the negative stereotypes of themselves.  Was there a sparking incident which led to the concept for Who Are You?

In 2010 you could barely pick up a newspaper or turn on the television without some negative story about young people. I wanted to know what was going on first hand.

Has UYM evolved since you started in 1998?  Do previous UYM members stay engaged?

Yes - many have worked for the Company over the years as dancers, admin support one even came back to design and paint the backdrop last year. Generally speaking we let them get on with their lives.

Why is a program like UYM needed?

UYM provides a rare opportunity for a different type of expression and storytelling. 

You're performing this time in West Auckland and Mangere, as well as a CBD venue.  Is this the first time you've taken UYM to satellite venues?

Yes.  We’re looking forward to taking UYM to different areas in Auckland, as in the past it has only been performed in the CBD.

• Who Are You?

From nearly every walk of life, from all over Auckland, young dancers between the ages of 16-21 are led through a demanding and often life changing creative process to voice their concerns, face their fears and express their hopes for their generation.

Co-presented by Black Grace and Auckland Arts Festival
Musgrove Studio, Maidment Arts Centre
2 – 4 March, 7.30pm
5 March, 12.30pm & 7.30pm
Bookings:
Phone Maidment (09) 308 2383
www.maidment.auckland.ac.nz

Playhouse Theatre, Glen Eden
8 – 10 March, 7.30pm
Bookings:
Phone iTICKET (09) 361 1000
www.iticket.co.nz

Mangere Arts Centre
16 – 19 March, 7.30pm
Bookings:
Phone iTICKET (09) 361 1000
www.iticket.co.nz

*Schools matinee performances are available in each venue, please go to www.aucklandfestival.co.nz for details and booking information.