Breakin' Convention 2012

This year for the third year running I had the pleasure of working at Breakin' Convetion. Under the artistic direction of Jonzi D, Breakin' Convention is an international hip-hop dance theatre festival at Sadler's Wells. The three-day weekend is immense and a highlight of my dancing calendar. It is a jam-packed programme with the main show kicking off at 6pm each day and combining the best of UK and international hip-hop.  

What is I find the most exciting about the programme is the range of work. This year at one end there was Zoonation Youth Dance with a true piece of hip-hop dance theatre that was lyrical and emotional. Whilst at the other there was the breath taking Wagabond Crew from France. Now the French kill it when it comes to hip-hop. I remember back in 2010 watching Pro-Phenomen and being in awe of their sheer power and intensity. They were back this year and on form, but as the closing act of the final night Wagabond Crew proved why they are the current champions of the two most prestigious bboy events - Battle of the Year and Uk Bboy Championships. The Wagabond Crew for what seemed forever threw their bodies across the stage. Moments were breath-taking, some crowd pleasures, but also just solid technique Bboying. 


I also want to mention Storyboard P from Brooklyn, New York. He described his style as mutant. I am guessing this is because he moves his body unlike anything on this earth. Full of charisma, the incredible smooth Storyboard P glided through a range of movement to sweet and sometimes seductive sounds. Storyboard P took charge of the stage and without all of the speed, tricks and strength that is usually seen. Instead, Storyboard P used his body and expression to demand the attention. And all of this in the tightest trousers I have ever seen a 'hip-hop' male wear. 


This year the Breakin' Convention experience was taken to a new level with the final day being streamed live at breakinconvention.com, sadlerswells.com and thespace.org. This was all part of The Space initiative, which has been set up by the Arts Council of England to instigate the production of digitally recorded art. I am guessing with the overall intention being more people will be able to access the artistic products. With a mixture of live interviews, filming around the festivals and recording of the performances it was a crazy hectic day. I ran underneath Sadler's Wells stage too many times but for the final product it was definitely worth it. An amazing festival and a great live stream too and I am sure all of those who watched would agree to. 


If you didn't manage to see the festival don't worry because Breakin' Convention is currently on a UK tour. Check out the tour dates here. If you are not lucky enough to see a touring performance then you can still watch clips, when they become uploaded, on The Space website.