The exhibition Boys will be Boys: Masculinity on Pointe is the work of award-winning photographer Jayne Jackson and features more than 40 male ballet dancers. As an activist and change-maker, her work is aimed at positive social change. The images in the exhibition show the different interests and identities of the teen and pre-teen boys to explore male identity.

Jayne said: “A large and varied group of skaters, footballers, musicians, tennis and basketball players are united by their love for ballet, challenging the toxic notion that boys’ interests should be limited to stereotypically male norms and behaviours, which is harmful to men and society as a whole.”

Many of the dancers depicted study ballet locally at First Position School of Dance. Natalie Pearl, dance principal of the school, who was awarded the 2020 RAD Project B Award for Innovation for teaching of Male Dance, said: “Here we are in 2021 – how can we still be surrounded by out-dated stereotypes and stigma about boys? Boys will be Boys celebrates everything that is so incredible about boys dancing. The power and strength of a generation of boys for whom dance is their passion on so many levels. My boys from First Position School of Dance and I are honoured to be a part of this awe inspiring and much needed project.”

Jayne added: “I strongly feel that photography can be a powerful tool for good. I am extremely motivated in that respect. My personal work is centred on empowerment, promoting mental health and equality.”

Boys will be Boys can be viewed in the Top Floor Gallery at Lighthouse, Poole until 27 November.