International hip hop dance festival comes to Nottingham

Sadler's Wells' critically acclaimed international festival of hip hop dance theatre, Breakin' Convention, comes to Nottingham this week with performances from UK and international companies and crews.
Jonzi by BEN WACHENJEJonzi by BEN WACHENJE
Jonzi by BEN WACHENJE

Now in its thirteenth year, this hugely popular production is once again hosted and curated by Associate Artist Jonzi D.

The show, on May 17 and 18, will see the Royal Concert Hall entrance way and foyers transformed with live DJs, beatboxers, rappers, freestyle dance jams, graffiti workshops and exhibition spaces.

The main stage event starts at 7.30pm hosted by Jonzi D and local co-host Duncan Mitchell. Local Nottingham crews performing on the main stage in the first half include Beat Bots, Take 1 Dance, H M Projects, Gareth Woodward, Nu Projeks and Tai & Trix.

The second half of the show features an international line-up 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 Co. 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 Adrenaline as a high-octane finale to the show.

To celebrate Breakin’ Convention’s visit to Nottingham, a vibrant temporary graffiti exhibit has been created by graffiti artists Tokyo709, Jefs and Qubek on the walls and ceiling of the passageway linking the Royal Concert Hall with the Theatre Royal next door. 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.

Visit www.trch.co.uk or call 0115 9895555 for more information.