Cycles is movement in its purest state. Fluid, concentrated and skilled. In this goal-oriented and uncompromising performance, Boy Blue returns to the core of hip hop and examines the power and joy of dance.

Instead of narrative, this performance is built on constant movement, pulse and repetition. Inspired by hip hop culture’s theory of continuous development and renewal, and by concepts like cycles, presence and flow, Cycles allows dance to speak for itself.  It’s all about groove, bounce and musicality; about what it is that makes moves genuine. Beyond form and surface.

Onstage, nine strong dancers fill the room with constant flow. The bodies respond directly to the music. Influences from British club culture, grime, garage and Caribbean rhythms are woven into a performance clearly anchored in the present.

Cycles is an ode to the collective energy of dance and to the euphoria of total surrender to rhythm and movement. An intense, physical and profoundly musical experience that celebrates dance in and of itself. Its history, its present and its constant metamorphosis.

Boy Blue was founded in London in 2001 and subsequently established itself as one of Great Britain’s most influential troupes in the field of hip hop-inspired contemporary dance. Rooted in a multicultural community, the company has created a platform in which dancers can develop from young talents to strong, established artists. Their breakthrough with the prize-winning production Pied Piper: A Hip-Hop Dance Revolution was followed by international successes and collaborations, among them a performance at the Olympics in London in 2012. Cycles is presented by the Gothenburg Theatre and Dance Festival in collaboration with Stora Teatern and Next Move.

On Stage

Jimmy Allan
Nicey Belgrave
Tanaka Bingwa
Gabija Čepelytė
Paris Crossley
Evion Hackett
Kyron ‘Nykro’ Jake
Kelsey ‘Hydro’ Miller
Corey Owens

Artistic Team

Concept & Composition
Michael ‘Mikey J’ Asante

Choreography
Kenrick ‘H2O’ Sandy

Assistant Choreographer
Jade Hackett

Lighting Design
Lee Curran

Costume Design
Matthew Josephs

Co-produced by Barbican, London, and Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts.
Produced by Boy Blue.
Supported by Arts Council England.
Boy Blue is an Artistic Associate of the Barbican.