The festival of hip hop dance theatre takes over the whole of Sadler’s Wells, including the Lilian Baylis Studio. Renowned for showcasing high calibre and diverse representations of hip-hop dance theatre from across the globe, Breakin’ Convention 2018 takes this even further via an innovative collaboration.
As well as world class dance crews and soloists, the 2018 programme features live music via Jazz re:freshed, the prestigious live jazz organisation, also celebrating its 15th anniversary. An ensemble of 15 leading jazz musicians provide original soundscapes to accompany five newly commissioned works from dancers to mark both festivals’ illustrious histories. The line-up includes Olivier Award-winning Boy Blue Entertainment and The Locksmiths from London, Netherlands-based b-boy crew The Ruggeds, French hip hop freestyle dancer Mufasa and even Jonzi Dhimself, premiering new work to a score composed by Jazz re:freshed’s Musical Director Jason Yarde. This partnership follows on from the success of the 2017 festival, which saw Breakin’ Convention and Jazz re:freshed present an evening of live jazz, dance theatre and poetry in the Lilian Baylis Studio, to launch the weekend’s events.
Jonzi D says: “15 years in the game but it still feels so fresh! Every collaboration, every commission, every new project opens up new avenues of expression for hip hop culture. This natural synergy with Jazz:Refreshed will take our theatrical practice to another level.”
Jazz re:freshed’s Musical Director Jason Yarde says: “It’s quite amazing that from a conversation I had with Jonzi last year such an immense pool of talent can come together and create and celebrate. 15 musicians representing 15 years of both Breakin’ Convention and Jazz re:freshed makes quite a statement before we’ve even played a note but of course when musicians combine forces with dancers there is potential for real magic and it’s great we get to explore this. This collaboration is not only an opportunity to develop the relationship between Breakin’ Convention and Jazz re:freshed, established last year, but sow new seeds in the fundamental long continuum of dance and live music.”
During the festival, Sadler’s Wells’ foyer will once again be transformed so that audiences can enjoy dance workshops, live graffiti, award-winning hip-hop DJs, MCs and impromptu dance circles spilling out all over the building, creating an unforgettable and inclusive experience for all ages.
Once again this year’s festival is hosted and curated by Jonzi D and co-hosted with BSL interpreter, Jacqui Beckford. Full performance line-up to be announced.
Full performance line-up to be announced. Dates: Saturday 5 – Monday 7 May.
Check www.breakinconvention.com for more info.
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