A Bold Youth Performance on the Realities of Social Media

On Sunday 18th May 2025, the stage at Millfield Theatre came alive with the powerful energy of 250 young people from across 10 schools in Haringey. These talented performers came together to present “BEHIND THE SCREEN”, a vibrant, thought-provoking street dance production exploring one of the most pressing issues facing young people today: the impact of social media on emotional well-being.

Set in a world where online popularity reigns, BEHIND THE SCREEN follows the story of Romi, a bold and questioning voice who challenges her online community. Her defiance sets off a powerful chain reaction—a dance-fuelled battle for likes, labels, and validation. With sharp choreography, immersive storytelling, and raw emotion, the production dives deep into the highs and lows of the digital age, showing how easily real identity can be lost behind the filters, hashtags, and curated personas.

At Streetz Ahead, we’re committed to creating performances that go beyond entertainment. Our shows empower young people to express themselves, reflect on their experiences, and speak truth to the challenges they face—all through the electrifying medium of dance and performance.

This show was a bold reminder that what we see online is not always the full picture—and that connection, compassion, and authenticity matter more than ever.

A huge thank you to all our young performers, choreographers, schools, staff, and families who helped bring this unforgettable story to life!

Feedback

93% of audience members have never seen a show like this before

💥 Behind the Screen: What Did Our Audience Say? 💬

We asked our audience some big questions after watching Behind the Screen — and the responses were powerful, heartfelt, and full of insight. Here’s what they had to say:

💭 How much did the show help you think about the effects of social media?

“Thought-provoking.”
“Quite a lot, I must say.”
“It made me think deeply.”
“Very important message – it really helped.”
“A good reminder of what children go through.”
“It highlighted the challenges young kids face.”
“It helped. A message parents need to be reminded of.”
“Made me think more about the impact it has on our children.”

💬 Takeaway:
Overwhelmingly, the audience found Behind the Screen emotionally impactful and thought-provoking. Many reflected on how it spotlighted the very real pressures young people face in today’s digital world. For parents, carers, and educators, the show sparked timely conversations about online life and mental wellbeing.

💃 What part of the show did you enjoy the most?

We loved hearing about your favourite moments! Here’s what stood out:

🟡 “The dancing.”
🟢 “Seeing my little niece dance!”
🟣 “All of it — especially the Amapiano!”
🔵 “The main battle and the separate school performances.”
🟠 “Seeing my daughter (6) perform on stage for the first time. We were amazed by her confidence and enthusiasm.”
🟤 “Enjoyed it from beginning to end — seeing children tell a story was amazing.”
🟠 “All of it. The kids really did well, and it’s clear the staff love working with them.”

🌐 Will you do anything differently online after seeing the show?

🧠 Our show aimed to inspire reflection and action — and that’s exactly what happened:

✔ “Be more aware.”
✔ “Spend less time on it.”
✔ “Try to join a dance group.”
✔ “Encourage my children to perform and dance.”
✔ “Be more mindful of social media and support our children to navigate it.”
✔ “Reinforce the message to spend time in real life together.”
✔ “Reflect on what’s important.”

🎯 Audience Insight: Even those with young children spoke about becoming more intentional about introducing social media. For others, the show was a reminder to stay present, vigilant, and engaged.

💡 Any final thoughts or ideas?

❤️ “Thank you so much for providing the children with this platform — it was absolutely amazing.”
👏 “Well done Elizabeth and team — and a special thanks to Will and Ayla. We can see the impact!”
🔊 “One small point: the music was a bit loud at times!”
💥 “Loved it!”
💡 “Try to add someone to do a backflip next time!” 😄

⭐ Would you recommend Streetz Ahead to others?

✅ 100%!

💬 Final Thoughts

We’re proud that Behind the Screen is more than just a performance — it’s a conversation starter. Thank you to everyone who joined us, shared your thoughts, and cheered for our brilliant young performers. Stay tuned for more powerful storytelling, movement, and joy — both on and off the screen.

Programme of the show in case you didn’t get to see it on the day!