ZooNation has announced a new show, Groove On Down The Road, at the Southbank Centre from 10 – 31 August 2013.

Groove On Down The Road, a twist on the classic story of The Wizard of Oz is written and directed by Kate Prince, artistic director of ZooNation Dance Company, and commissioned by Southbank Centre with music from the 1978 film The Wiz remixed with current hits by DJ Walde and featuring dancers from ZooNation Academy of Dance.

The cast of Groove On Down The Road is made up of young dancers from across the UK, all under the age of 19, showcasing the exceptional talent of ZooNation’s next generation of dancers. The role of Dorothy will be shared by two 11-year old dancers, Arizona Snow and Portia Oti.

“Working with the ZooNation Academy of Dance is the highlight of my week,” said Kate Prince. “I oversee their training every Saturday and they never fail to amaze me with how much they know and are capable of at such a young age.”

Set in a fantastical urban world, ZooNation’s Groove On Down The Road tells the story of Dorothy and her adventures with Toto, Scarecrow, Tin Man and Lion on their journey to Oz. The audience join Dorothy, complete with ruby sneakers, and friends in this hip-hop dance production as they follow the yellow brick road in a quest to find happiness and family.

Kate Prince continued: “They have been born into an environment where access to hip hop dance and culture is at the simple touch of a button and they are saturated with information. As a result they are a whole new breed of dancers who have a raw, authentic and fearless skill and passion for dance. They give our adult company a run for their money! We better watch our backs.”

ZooNation is the company behind West End street dance shows Some Like It Hip Hop and Into the Hoods. It was also recently confirmed that Kate Prince is to choreograph the X-Factor musical.

ZooNation Groove On Down The Road cast

Dorothy – Arizona Snow and Portia Oti
Toto – Michael McNeish
Scarecrow – Jaih Betote Diptio
Tin Man – Michael Ureta
Lion – Corey Culverwell
Wicked Witch of the West – Annie Edwards

The film The Wiz, upon which Groove On Down The Road is based, starred Michael Jackson and Diana Ross, with Quincy Jones overseeing the film’s music adaptation including the tracks Ease On Down The and You Can’t Win. The film celebrates its 35th anniversary this year.