The art of breakdancing was born and exploded in popularity in the United States, becoming a global phenomenon and inspiring new forms. At the historic Apollo Theater later this month, the four-day Hip Hop dance festival, Breakin’ Convention, will bring together an international representation of dancers keeping the art form alive.
Breakin’ Convention got its start in London at the Sadler’s Wells Theatre, a dance house which focuses heavily international dancing styles. Wanting to see Hip Hop dance go beyond the battling aspect and nightclubs, the curators behind the festival hope to showcase the art form as a viable theater product.
For its first North American appearance, the festival will begin June 13 at the Apollo. Serving as the hosts for the festival will be Breakin’ Convention’s creative director Jonzi D and Hip-Hop icon MC Lyte.
Featured artists include Brooklyn dancer and Flying Lotus collaborator Storyboard P, German and French duo Sébastien Ramirez, UK troupe Boy Blue, Philadelphia’s Rennie Harris Puremovement, New York’s Next Level Squad, Korea’s Project Soul Collective, and South African soloist Jane Sekonya among others. Jonzi D will be pulling double duty as he is slated to perform at the festival as well.
The festival aims to focus beyond Hip-Hop dance, as the entire Apollo Theater will host a variety of workshops that cover all facets of Hip-Hop culture. There will be classes on how to DJ, live graffiti art displays, film clips and tributes to pioneers of street dance, freestyle dance and breakdancing as well.
Breakin’ Convention kicks off Thursday, June 13 and concludes on Sunday, June 16. For more details, click here.
Check out Jonzi D breaking down the concept of Breakin’ Convention in the video clip below. Hit the next page for a flier of the event.
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Photo: Breakin’ Convention
