From the 9-11 May 2025, Boy Blue took over the Barbican with sold-out shows, foyer performances, a panel talk and battles, with dancers from all over the UK.
Friday 9 May
BB Frontline Foyer Performers
hosted by Syxx Isaac
This showcase was created utilising the following dance groups from across the UK:
Panel Talk: Hip Hop Matters
A conversation about all things hip-hop. Bringing together a group of diverse and compelling guests, including artists, creators and cultural commentators, this talk took a deep dive into what makes hip hop a global force and why it continues to resonate with new generations.
Hosted by Kurty Swift. The panellists were Ivan Michael Blackstock, Marlon 'Swoosh' Wallen, Prilla, Kieran Lai, Bella Chieza, Olu Alatise and Gary Clarke.
Reviews:
The5thElement - “As panels go, this was pound-for-pound the best lineup you could get with the subject in mind… A perfect mix of experience, youth; varied disciplines of expertise and as a whole a deep love for the subject.”
Saturday 10 May
BB Frontline Foyer Performers
hosted by Syxx Isaac
A Night With Boy Blue - Show #1
Sunday 11 May
BB Frontline Battle
BB Frontline Battle brought nearly 100 battlers from all over the UK to the Barbican main stage, with a chance to win a £1000 cash prize.
Hosted by Kenrick 'H20' Sandy, the line-up of guest judges were Brooke Milliner, Evion Mantis and Cori D Lionne, with music supplied by DJ Lewis Tigran.
A Night With Boy Blue - Show #2
Reviews:
I am Hip-Hop
“Powerful and uplifting weekend of dance, music and community”
"More than a showcase, this was a statement. Boy Blue isn’t just performing hip-hop. They’re preserving it, pushing it forward and building a community around it that keeps it real."
Read the full review
A Young(ish) Perspective ****
“evening was filled with vitality, movement and the unmistakable energy that only a dance family like Boy Blue can bring”
“left the theatre not just entertained but genuinely inspired… gave us a glimpse into a world we might want to step into ourselves.”
Read the full reviewThe Stage
"Intoxicating, euphoric, almost hallucinatory”
Read the full review
