Dance Performance 'What's Wrong with You?' Seeks to Understand the Causes of Youth Anxiety
The dance performance 'What's Wrong with You?' explores the causes of anxiety among youth based on their written texts and conversations about their concerns.
The dance performance titled 'What's Wrong with You?' is a unique exploration of the factors contributing to anxiety among young people. It was created by the Zuga United Dancers, with choreographer and dancer Kärt Tõnisson emphasizing the need to address mental health issues in an artistic format. The production draws on written texts by young people and encourages discussions around their sources of anxiety, particularly highlighting the pressures imposed by school curricula on both students and teachers.
Marit Kannelmäe-Geerts, the head of the educational direction at Peaasi.ee, expressed her admiration for previous works by Zuga United Dancers and the powerful messages they convey. She highlighted the importance of including the voices of youth in performances, noting that the idea for 'What's Wrong with You?' stemmed from a desire to convey a strong message about mental health that resonates well beyond the stage. The performance aims to create a supportive environment where young audiences feel acknowledged and heard.
This initiative reflects a broader movement towards destigmatizing discussions around mental health, acknowledging that many youth are grappling with underlying anxieties and require support. Kannelmäe-Geerts emphasizes the importance of creating a dialogue between youth, parents, and educators, ensuring that the performance is not only targeting young people but also encouraging adult engagement in mental health conversations.