Photos from ‘Breakin’ Convention.’ To see more, click the forward arrow on the image above.

By The DCPA NewsCenter

Breakin’ Convention,
Sadler’s Wells Theatre’s critically acclaimed international hip-hop dance theatre festival, will take over the The Buell Theatre and the surrounding Denver Performing Arts Complex the weekend of Nov. 4-5, it was announced today. The party will kick off Denver Arts Week, which runs throughout the city from Nov 3-11. Events will include a special student matinee at 11 a.m. on Friday, Nov. 3. Tickets are on sale now at 303-893-4100 or denvercenter.org.

Please be advised that denvercenter.org is the only authorized online ticket provider for Breakin’ Convention in Denver. Ticket-buyers who purchase tickets from a broker or any third party should be aware that DCPA is unable to reprint or replace lost or stolen tickets and is unable to contact patrons with information regarding time changes or other pertinent updates regarding the performance.

Sadler’s Wells Theatre, located in London, is renowned as one of the world’s leading dance venues. Breakin’ Convention is the world’s biggest festival of hip-hop dance theatre showcasing the best from around the world and around the corner. Curated and hosted by U.K. hip-hop pioneer Jonzi D, this is weekend will be filled with exceptional performances from world champion b-boy crews to cutting-edge street-dance companies live on stage and taking over the whole building. Events will include dance workshops, graffiti, DJs and freestyle sessions. 

(Pictured above right: Jonzi D. Photo by Paul Hampartsoumian.)

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 who has changed the profile and influenced the development of the U.K. British hip-hop dance and theatre scene over the past two decades.

Breakin’ Convention includes four international companies*:

• Yeah Yellow (France) – An explosive b-boy crew from France, YY brings agility, creativity and invention to the BC stage. Bodies create orifices to dive through, and reform physical shapes with muscular alchemy. Recently performed at BOTY16.
• Protocol (U.K.) – Lanre Malouda directs as well as performs in this duet that explores racial dynamics. Popping and tutting techniques, as well as text and physical theatre is used to present ideas that reflect the tensions in our community today.
• Salah (France) – A living legend in the world of hip hop dance, Salah returns to the Breakin’ Convention stage after an eight year hiatus. This consummate performer is a master popper, locker, b-boy, clown and all round entertainer. Known for his amazing battle abilities, Salah will present his theatre piece The Sickness.
• Soweto Skeleton Movers (South Africa) – From the most notorious township on the African continent comes the Soweto Skeleton Movers. The audience highlight of Breakin’ Convention 2016 returns with a brand new show. Experts in a particular form of pantsula dance developed by Skeleton Mover pioneer Jabulani, the crew use comedic contortionism, frenetic footwork, and magical hat tricks. 

*International companies subject to change

Breakin’ Convention local artist auditions:

Dancers, Graff Writers, DJ’s, Emcees, Rappers and Beatboxers are invited to audition from 4-10 p.m. Thursday, July 6, at the Robert and Judi Newman Center for Theatre Education, 1101 13th St. Audition submission forms will be accepted from June 5-18. Visit denvercenter.org/BreakinConvention for more information.

Project Soul. Photo by Paul Hampartsoumain.