Lost Online

Young people have always led the way with technology, and now a generation of digital natives is growing up.

‘Lost Online’ is a digital piece (originally commissioned during lockdown by Z-Arts & HOME) and has began early development of adaptation into live performance for stage and non-traditional spaces, Chad has been exploring how young people respond to the online world – and how the digital world can impact on their mental health and their relationships with others.

Through the DCNW Research Programme, Chad delivered a series of creative workshops with groups of young people from Shockout Arts and The ASH Company (Aim Sky High Dance). Working with a wide range of ages from 10-27 years, he explored ideas such as how having a smart phone present could influence a young person’s response to dance. He questioned if we “dance for others” – and, if we put our phones away, do “we dance for ourselves” as a form of social activity – and, to what extent do the different scenarios affect a dancer mentally.