Video by DCPA Video Producer David Lenk.

The annual nine-day celebration of Denver’s creative community begins with the mayor getting hip-hop happy

French hip-hop dancer Salah, who is in town for Breakin’ Convention this weekend at the Buell Theatre, appeared with Denver Mayor Michael B. Hancock and DCPA President and CEO Janice Sinden today to launch the city’s 11th annual Denver Arts Week, which will celebrate the Mile High City’s vibrant arts scene this year from Nov. 3-11.

Salah (pictured at right), who is considered a living legend in the world of hip-hop dance, taught the dignitaries a few dance moves as part of the fun. Salah is a master popper, locker, b-boy, clown and all-around entertainer who is returning to the Breakin’ Convention stage after an eight-year hiatus.

Breakin’ Convention is the world’s largest festival of hip-hop dance theatre, and Denver is only the fifth North American city to host it. Salah will perform at the Buell Theatre along with international acts Yeah Yellow (France), Protocol (U.K.), Soweto Skeleton Movers (South Africa) and Popin’ Pete (U.S.), as well as a number of Denver hip-hop crews.

Click here for more coverage of the Colorado theatre community

For more than a decade, Denver Arts Week has been a nine-day citywide celebration of  Denver’s creative community. It consists of hundreds of events that involve thousands of people each year. Signature events this year will include the 40th annual Denver Film Festival; Breakin’ Convention; Know Your Arts First Friday; free nights at area museums, and more than 400 events at galleries, museums and arts districts throughout the city. Denver Arts Week is presented by Visit Denver and the Convention and Visitors Bureau.

Breakin’ Convention officially kicks off with the free “303 Jam” from 1-5 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 4 at The Buell Theatre. Enjoy free activities and performances including live DJs, workshops, free demonstrations and performances by DJ CaveM, The Reminders and more.

Photo gallery: Denver Arts Week launches

To see more photos, hover your cursor over the image above and click the forward arrow that appears. All photos © Brent Andeck Photography, LLC.

Breakin’ Convention: Ticket Information

• Nov. 4-5
• The Buell Theatre and surrounding areas
• Tickets: 303-893-4100 or BUY ONLINE
• Groups: Call 303-446-4829
• Special student performance at 11 a.m. Friday, Nov. 3

Previous NewsCenter coverage of Breakin’ Convention:

Breakin’ Convention to bring largest festival of hip-hop dance theatre to Denver
Breakin’ Convention promises to bring authenticity, local artists to DCPA
Video: Our talk with the one and only Jonzi D of Breakin’ Convention
Denver’s DJ CaveM: Saving lives one healthy beat, and bite, at a time