Yoh Fest Dancers

YOH Fest was established in Mandurah, WA in 1988 to equip local young people in making positive lifestyle choices, and build self confidence and leadership skills. Students share their stories on the issues most relevant to them through drama, dance or visual art.

Our Act- Belong-Commit YOH Fest dance item, was titled from a quote in Emma Watson’s ‘HeForShe’ speech ~ “If Not Me, Who?….If Not Now, When?”
Choreography for the dance was created by Year 8 student Joseph Cook.

The dance symbolically represents the birth of a child, raised…grown, like a tree. Then, the pressures and prejudice of the world, homophobia, gender inequality, racism; all loom and press inwards, trapping the tree from developing as it should. The sunlight is clouded, and the gloom spreads. However, one person stands up and is the first to unite with the tree. The first to stop and think.

The touching spoken words at the end of the performance were:

“The first one to bring the sunlight. The first to take a look at the world, and stand up and make a difference. To help the tree grow, for the branches to reach the limits of the sky and further, to help the new seedlings live in a better place than yesterday.
The first to realise, If Not Me, Who?….If Not Now, When?”

We wish all the dancers good luck in their performance on Thursday 7th September at the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre.