Celebrating the 21st anniversary of this influential Sadler’s Wells event, the festival began in days when seasoned dance critics questioned the concept ofprogramming hip hop dance in theatres. Thankfully, Breakin’ Convention audienceswere oblivious to this because they were and always have been, the real deal. With hip hop celebrating 50 years in 2023, Breakin’ Convention’s authenticity and line-ups have historically resulted in an annual full house, attracting entire families as well as newcomers, dance enthusiasts, club kids and of course hip hopdevotees.
Founder, Artistic Directorand host Jonzi D had been performing his signature ‘LyrikalFearta’ at jams, clubs and arts venues since the 1990s.His own work was provocative, upfront and spoke to people who as gig goers and clubbers, weren’t necessarily venturing out to performing arts venues. Jonzi had formed strong links with artists and DJs including DMC Championship award-winners The En4Cers: DJ Pogo, DJ Biznizz and Cutmaster Swift, Monie Love, MC Mell’o, Courtney Pine and a (very young) Estelle.
Fast forward to 2024, Breakin’ Convention at Sadler’s Wells is over two decades old, expandingwith the encouragement and support of Sadler’s Wells CEO Sir Alistair Spalding. The festival has toured the UK multiple times andtravelled extensively across Europe and the US where the legendary Harlem Apollo played host back in 2013. Breakin’ Convention has its own dedicated staff, including director Michelle Nortonwho has been involved since day one. Thelong-standing relationshipwith Sadler’s Wells has resulted in the first accredited hip hop theatre course at Academy Breakin’ Convention which will be at the new Sadler’s Wells East.
As ever, Breakin’ Convention takes place over the first weekend in May which this year falls on May 4 and 5. Jonzi says of this year’s festival:“21!Yet another landmark year in BC history. Still excited about the exceptional work coming from our local and global hip hop community. Ain’t no stopping us now, we’re in the groove”.
Artists taking part include Jinjo Crew from South Korea, Femme Fatale from the US, Sons of Wind and Cie Kilai from France plus CREATE4from the Netherlands.UK talent includesperennial Breakin’ Convention favourites Boy Blue, founded by Kenrick ‘H2O’ Sandy and Michael Asante. Boy Blue have performed at every Breakin’ Convention to dateremaining hugely in demand. Londoners When Time Was New headed by dancer, choreographer and all-round talent Brooke Milliner also join the line-up:“I’ve been privileged to perform at Breakin’ Convention 6 times, including at the very first edition back in 2004” says Brooke“This year, it all comes full-circle for me, as my newly-formed company When Time Was New gets its BC debut with PSYCHE. I’m grateful to the festival for supporting my journey all these years, and I’m looking forward to seeing my work platformed alongside the other exceptional Street Dance talent on the 2024 line-up”.
At Breakin’ Convention, the programme highlights the scope of creativity within hip hop dance and theatre. For example,Ivan Michael Blackstock presents his Olivier award-winning ensemble work TRAPLORD this May. Having performed at the festival multiple times, Ivan now brings something very different to the mix. He describes the phenomenally successful TRAPLORD accordingly:“In 2015, TRAPLORD was born, marking the genesis of a radical new vision. A desire to redefine black masculinity and mental health, rooted in unfiltered authenticity and profound reverence. It’s about unearthing the intricate dance between light and dark, echoing the rich complexities of our existence. Grounded in the pulsating rhythm of Street Culture, TRAPLORD embodies a beauty forged amidst the raw and graceful struggles of urban life, revealing the resilience and power within our shared narratives. A hero’s journey in colour.”
Nottingham’s Jamal Sterrett is the only soloist performing this yearhaving raised the roof at the Birmingham Hippodrome last June as part of BC’s national tour. His startling stage presence and physical dexterity certainly make an impact and for 2024, he’ll be performing on the main stage on Saturday May 4. Jamal, who has Asperger’s Syndrome says: My practice is a physical reflection of my mind’s ability to absorb environments on a neurological level. My piece High Spectra is the usage of dance techniques and performance art paradigms that resonate most highly with me”.
Grime as well as hip hop provides the soundtrack to Breakin’ Convention this year, courtesy of ShaolinOrShaowith a dynamo of an opener titled MP3+Movement Initwhile another young crew, Gully South Blockbetter known as GSB,make a welcome return: “Our approach towards BC this year is to give the audience our take on how Krump can be utilised when an individual is battling themselves through their own vulnerabilities‘says spokesman Chaquille Forrest-Osborne.The krump style Chaquille refers to has been a fixture since the beginning, Breakin’ Convention’s dance styles being as diverse as their audience. Expect breaking, popping, krumping, threading, funk and bruk up onstage at Breakin’ Convention, while offstage there are activities for children of all ages, DJs sessions, dance and bespoke graffiti workshops and freestyle sessions transformingthe entire building into an unmissable twoday party.
Breakin’ Convention is at Sadler’s Wells Saturday 4 and Sunday 5 May, bok via https://www.breakinconvention.com/
