Urban Youth Movement

In 1999, Black Grace initiated a progressive mentoring scheme that, with the support of THE EDGE® Community Arts, launched the new youth dance company, UrbanYOUTHMovement.

UYM embodies the commitment Black Grace has to engaging a youth voice in its Pacific Contemporary dance style, and a philosophy that relates specifically to New Zealand youth culture.

UYM has a core focus of excellence, providing an affirmative vehicle for young people to learn the discipline and invaluable life skills required to overcome the day-to-day obstacles of life. This experience is not only limited to the members involved on a practical level but also for all the young people who come to see the performances. UYM captures the mind-set, dance & music culture of today's youth.

UYM gives young people a unique opportunity to work closely with professionals at a highly intensive level, in a safe, fun and challenging environment. UYM is a rich and complex mentoring programme culminating in the creation of new work by the company. This work continues beyond the preparation for and participation in a show. It is a holistic approach to the training and education of young people.

The pilot scheme in 1999 was called Fresh. In 2000 and 2001 the programme ran under the self-titled name of UrbanYOUTHMovement. The resulting performance in 2002 was called "Escape", which was remounted in 2003 as "Escape...Again". In 2004 the UYM created "This Life".

“UYM . . . enough raw energy to light up the national grid.”

Metro, 2003

Method

Originally commissioned by the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra. The spirit and individuality of the dancers and the music of Bach inspired this work. It premiered at NZSO and Black Grace Heartland Tour 2000, Porirua.

"Method begins with striking drama, as dancers take turns flying full-throttle into a pool of light like moths to a flame, then seem momentarily trapped by its glare. But as the light expands, the piece opens into an exuberant romp of spins, jumps, rolls, skewed leaps and midair cartwheels, the dancers bouncing off one another like pinballs" The Boston Globe 2005