Breakin’ Convention ’16 International Festival of Hip Hop Dance Theatre
“High marks to Jonzi D, artistic director of the annual festival, and to Sadler’s Wells for continuing to provide a platform for such an astonishing spread of work on both the main stage and in the more intimate Lilian Baylis Studio” The Times
Sadler’s Wells’ critically acclaimed international festival of hip hop dance theatre, Breakin’ Convention, is back, with performances from UK and international companies and crews. Now in its 13th year, this hugely popular Sadler’s Wells Production is once again hosted and curated by Associate Artist Jonzi D. Following the annual festival at Sadler’s Wells over the May bank holiday, Breakin’ Convention will then tour to eight venues across the UK throughout May until Wednesday 1 June 2016.
Breakin’ Convention has firmly established itself as one of the major highlights on the British dance calendar and one of the world’s greatest celebrations of hip hop culture.
The main London festival on Saturday 30 April & Sunday 1 May sees Sadler’s Wells’ foyer transformed with live DJs, freestyle dance jams, graffiti exhibitions, workshops from top international artists and live aerosol art. The participatory activities take place pre-show and during the interval.
For the fourth year running Breakin’ Convention takes it back to the roots of hip hop on bank holiday Monday 2 May with Park Jam, an outdoor party suitable for all the family in Spa Fields Park.
The tour line-up includes three international acts who were highlights of last year’s festival including France’s Antoinette Gomis, who presents Images, an atmospheric solo inspired by the music of Nina Simone and Civil Rights. Antoinette’s signature style originates from her background as a founder member of the all-female Zamounda crew from Paris. Spain’s award-winning Iron Skulls crew present the surreal Sinestesia – A dynamic work where these skilled dancers morph into post-apocalyptic survivors. World Champion bboy crew The Ruggeds from the Netherlands will perform the high octane Adrenalin on the National Tour.
Sadler’s Wells Associate Artist Jonzi D is the founder and Artistic Director of Jonzi D Projects and Breakin’ Convention. A dancer, spoken word artist and director, he is the foremost advocate for hip hop and has changed the profile and influenced the development of the UK British hip hop dance and theatre scene over the last two decades. Jonzi D is a graduate from the London Contemporary Dance School and a former Associate Artist at The Place. He has toured his own work internationally and is regularly invited to judge international dance competitions.
Jonzi D devised and directed TAG… Just Writing My Name in 2006, IVAN in 2006 and Markus the Sadist, a rap theatre piece in 2009. All pieces successfully toured the UK to critical acclaim. He has also devised, choreographed and featured in various hip hop inspired fashion shows.
In 2013 he wrote and toured The Letter, a piece about the responses to receiving a nomination for an MBE in 2011, and Broken Lineage in collaboration with Ivan Blackstock.
Earlier this year Jonzi D performed The Letter at the 2015 Edinburgh Fringe and also featured on TedEX Warwick and spoke at the European Commission forum on creativity and diversity.
Full Breakin’ Convention line-up to be announced Spring 2016. Check breakinconvention.com for updates.
Sadler’s Wells & National Tour
April – June 2016
Tickets on sale Monday 9 November 2015
A Sadler’s Wells Production
Breakin’ Convention ’16
International Festival of Hip Hop Dance Theatre
Sadler’s Wells, EC1R
Saturday 30 April – Monday 2 May 2016
Performances: Saturday 30 April & Sunday 1 May at 6pm (pre-show activities from 4pm)
Tickets: £15 – £24 (£17 concessions)
Ticket office: 020 7863 8000 / www.sadlerswells.com
Breakin’ Convention ’16 embarks on its seventh National tour after the May bank holiday performances at Sadler’s Wells, taking in eight venues across the UK including newcomers Nottingham Theatre Royal and Gulbenkian Theatre, Canterbury. This has been made possible following a grant from Arts Council England.
Breakin’ Convention National Tour dates
Saturday 7 May CAST, Doncaster
Tuesday 10 May Colston Hall, Bristol
Saturday 14 May Playhouse, Whitley Bay
Tuesday 17 & Wednesday 18 May Nottingham Theatre Royal
Saturday 21 May Blackpool Grand, Blackpool
Tuesday 24 May Corn Exchange, Kings Lynn
Saturday 28 & Sunday 29 May Gulbenkian Theatre, Canterbury
Wednesday 1 June Bournemouth Pavilion, Bournemouth
For further details on the Breakin’ Convention 2016 tour visit
http://breakinconvention.com/events/festival/breakin-convention-2016-uk-tour