Marc Brew on Why Boys Don't Dance: A Fringe Q&A

Julia Wagner · 2026-08-14

### The Question That Started It All When Marc Brew took the stage at the Edinburgh Fringe, he wasn't just performing—he was challenging a stereotype. *Boys Don't Dance* is more than a show; it's a conversation. Brew, a celebrated choreographer and dancer, sat down to talk about the inspiration behind the piece, the barriers he's faced, and why the phrase "boys don't dance" is long overdue for retirement. "I was told that as a kid," Brew says. "It stuck with me. Not because it hurt, but because it was so obviously wrong. I saw boys dance every day—in playgrounds, in living rooms, on streets. The only difference was whether they were allowed to call it dance." ### Breaking the Mold Brew's journey hasn't been typical. After a life-changing accident, he reimagined what dance could look like from a wheelchair. That perspective shapes *Boys Don't Dance*, which blends physical theater, spoken word, and movement to explore masculinity and vulnerability. - **Challenging norms:** The show asks why we still associate dance with femininity—and what we lose when we do. - **Inclusive choreography:** Brew works with dancers of all abilities, proving that expression isn't limited by body type. - **Audience connection:** Each performance ends with a Q&A, turning the stage into a shared space for reflection. "Dance is a language," Brew explains. "When you tell a boy he can't speak that language, you're not protecting him. You're silencing him." ### The Fringe Effect Edinburgh Fringe is notorious for its raw, unfiltered energy. For Brew, it's the perfect backdrop. "Fringe audiences don't want polish," he says. "They want truth. And the truth is, boys do dance. Men do dance. The world just needs to catch up." His advice for young dancers? "Start where you are. Use what you have. Don't wait for permission." It's a mantra that echoes through his work—and one that's resonating far beyond the festival. ### What's Next Brew is already developing new projects that push boundaries even further. But for now, he's savoring the Fringe momentum. "Every time someone tells me they've never thought about dance that way before, I know we're doing something right." *Boys Don't Dance* isn't just a title—it's a provocation. And Brew is happy to keep the conversation going.