Sadlers Wells, London
July 19, 2025
A joyous eruption of 33 young people taking over the Sadlers Wells stage for an hour of non-stop dance. That was Gravity by the National Youth Dance Company, whose guest artistic directors this year are the Boy Blue pairing of Michael ‘Mikey J’ Asante and Kenrick ‘H2O’ Sandy.
The dancers’ enthusiasm and talent were undeniable, but the skill and technique were unbelievable. The 33 young people range in age from 16 to 25 and come from across the UK. Bringing with them diverse dance backgrounds and experience, they collaborated in creating Gravity over four residencies during school holidays. Even the youngest displayed an enviable sharp, clean, clipped technique that belied their young age. The lead male dancer, who open the performance, is surely ready for a professional career that could take him to dizzying heights.
The splendidly innovative choreography by Sandy, is finely tuned to the music, composed by Mikey J, whose soundscape is very dramatic, and gives the feeling of being in the midst of a war zone. This was echoed by the dance, the movement often resembling people being shot.
Photo Elly Wel
However, this is not what Gravity is intended to be about. Quite the opposite in fact. The programme note tells us that the piece is rather about the power of connection. Whatever the intention, the music is stridently powerful, drawing you into the dancing.
The lighting is excellent, with Adam Carrée capturing and enhancing the dancers with imaginative, and highly creative effects. Costumes by veteran designer Ryan Dawson Laight compliment the dancers, quietly underscoring their performances, without being an end in themselves.
These young people have had the opportunity of a lifetime, working with some of the greatest people in dance today, and they repaid in by the bucketload. Gravity is touring, including to Berlin in September. Do catch it if you can – you will not be disappointed.
For more about this year’s National Youth Dance Company tour, click here.