Back to the Lab 2025
Jan
25
7:30 pm19:30

Back to the Lab 2025

 

Showcasing the best choreographers in the hip hop dance theatre scene, Breakin’ Convention’s Back To The Lab returns!

Four hand-picked choreographers take part in this unique evening of cutting-edge premieres.

Following two weeks of intensive training and mentorship from choreographic heavyweights, each artist will present a brand new short piece of work in front of a public audience.

Facilitated by Jonzi D, the audience is invited to share their reflections and feedback after the performances directly with the artists - thereby helping to shape and refine the works in progress.

 

Location: Lilian Baylis Theatre, Sadler’s Wells, Rosebery Avenue, London EC1R 4TN

 

Back to the Lab may contain language or content unsuitable for younger children. Line-up subject to change.



Watch: What is Back to the Lab?

 
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Open Art Surgery - September 2024
Sep
28
7:30 pm19:30

Open Art Surgery - September 2024

 

Open Art Surgery returns for its second London show of 2024 at Sadler’s Wells and invites you to delve into the mind and souls of some of the finest hip hop artists as they dare to try something new, dangerous and exciting!

Six acts present brand new short works devised and developed in just one week with mentorship from hip hop theatre aficionados such as Jonzi D and Jane Sekonya and Mo’Sean.

With artists: Adhish Arul | Andreia Cristina | April Milliner | Jayde Edwards | Marie Kaae Schmidt | Shiantaye Northover-Neita

With DJ Pogo on the decks keeping the crowd entertained!

This unique event, which takes place at the end of a week of intense research and development, presents six new works to the audience who are then invited to critique, feedback and ask questions to the artists involved. Open Art Surgery is not about presenting finished work. The focus is to develop theatre skills within hip hop artists and to experiment with new ideas that could be developed further in the future.

Breaking down of the fourth wall to allow the audience to engage with the artists, Open Art Surgery is an unmissable event in the Breakin’ Convention calendar.

Hosted by Jonzi D

Open Art Surgery may contain language or content unsuitable for younger children.

Line-up subject to change.

Interested in taking part in a future Open Art Surgery?

 

What is Open Art Surgery?

 
 
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Breaking Olympic Watch Parties
Aug
9
to 10 Aug

Breaking Olympic Watch Parties

Sadler's Wells & Breakin' Convention present:
Breaking Olympic Watch Parties

Join us in the park for live watch parties of the Breaking finals at the Paris Olympics. 

Together with hip hop media platform The Capsule we'll kick things off with panel talks including breakers involved in the Olympic qualifiers. Then we'll watch the games live streamed from Paris. 

Panel line-up: Luke Lentes and Bgirl Roxy, with B-Girl Sun Sun (Friday) and Tom Malone (Saturday)

With DJs Kofi Mingo and Francesca Rose, spontaneous cyphers and edge of your seat competition on the big screen.


 

Location: Riverside East, Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park

This is a free event.

 
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Hip Hop Games London 2024
Aug
3
2:00 pm14:00

Hip Hop Games London 2024

 

As we gear up for the debut of Breaking in the 2024 Paris Olympic Games, Sadler's Wells and Breakin' Convention bring the Hip Hop Games to the Stratford Waterfront.

Crews of krumpers and poppers go head to head in an epic hip hop battle, packed with improvisation games and creative challenges. 

 

Join us to see who'll come out on top, as you have your say on the winning team. Then stick around after as BBC 1Xtra DJs hit the decks to keep the party going.

With the following teams showcasing and competing:

Poppers: Matthew 'Omni' Eudu, Nicolas Marvel, Paris Crossley
Krumpers: Gary Clarke, Masaiya Thomas, Jordan 'Sapien' Douglas, Alicia 'Mafia' Cox
Over 40s: Kofi Mingo, Richard 'Banxy' Banks, Sean 'mO'sEAn' Edwards, Tim 'Lil Tim' Hamilton
Under 20s: Tyler Alwa, Leo Clarke, Imi 'Twiglet', Emmanuel 'Manny' Lee
Movement influencers: Georgia Curtis, Tyesha Clarke, Edwin De La Renta, Hakim Saber

More info TBA. This event will be FREE to attend.

Hip Hop Games London is followed by the Olympic Breaking Watch Parties the following weekend!

 

From Hip Hop Games

Romms

Referee

Mystraw

Human Beatbox

 

Battling dancers and categories

Jordan

Krump

Marvel

Popping

Masaiya

Krump

Omni

Popper

Manny

Under 20s Team

Paris

Popping

Kotoha

Popping

Make it stand out

Krump

Plus many more…

 

Here’s what to expect…

 
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Aug
1
to 2 Aug

Make a Mixtape (East Summer School)

 
 

Make a Mixtape is a fun two-day project designed to harness the power of rap music to inspire creativity and self-expression among young people.

Participants will collaborate with each other through the guidance of professional artist mentors to create original rap songs from scratch.

The workshops include lyric writing, beat-making, and performance skills, providing a comprehensive learning experience.

Through the two days, young artists will develop their talents, gain industry insights, and build confidence in their abilities. The project will go live on the Breakin' Convention Soundcloud and artists can keep the songs they made

 
 
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Jul
29
10:00 am10:00

Academy Breakin Convention: In my element (East Summer School)

 

This workshop is strictly for 12 - 17 year olds.

Ever wanted to try breaking, emceeing, popping, or hip hop social dance? Academy Breakin’ Convention are offering FREE Hip Hop Taster Workshops, for 12 – 17 years olds this summer!


You will have the opportunity to work with industry professionals, develop your confidence and creativity, meet some of the ABC team and ask questions about the course running at Sadler’s Wells East in September 2025!

These are beginner level workshops, so all you need is a passion for hip hop and the openness to try something new and if you really enjoy them, you can sign up to our 4-day Summer Sessions August 5th –8th to celebrate Breaking in the 2024 Olympics!

What is EAST Summer School?

East Summer School is at Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park and offers FREE interactive workshops. This is exclusively for young minds aged 12 – 17 years old who are living or going to school in Hackney, Newham, Tower Hamlets, or Waltham Forest. Our programme takes place from 29 July until 2 August only. You can take a look at the full summer scheudle by checking out our collection page. From fashion textiles, skateboarding, dance, computer game design or creating your own mixtape our programme is suited for all.

EAST Summer School is delivered by East Education, a cross-organisational effort between LLDC and the world-leading East Bank partners; BBC, UCL, UAL's London College of Fashion, V&A and Sadler's Wells. The programme also features collaborations from other incredible local partners.

 
 
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The Great Get Together 2024
Jun
15
12:00 pm12:00

The Great Get Together 2024

 

Inspired by and showcasing the best of east London

The Great Get Together is back!

The Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park’s free-to-enter, flagship community event is inspired by and showcases the best of east London, bringing together music, dance, arts, sports and food for all to enjoy.

With performances from GSB, Hertz Three, Rare Collective, music PA by Tyler Humble and tunes from DJ Sev Raven.

Breakin’ Convention can be found on the main stage between 4-5pm and over on the riverside east stage between 5:30-7pm hosting a youth takeover.

FURTHER DETAILS TBA, line-ups and timing subject to change.

 

Want to know what this even will be like? Enjoy these highlights from a past Great Get Together!

 
 
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Bring The Drama Final Showcase: Free The Crown
Apr
19
7:30 pm19:30

Bring The Drama Final Showcase: Free The Crown

Support Free The Crown, a new theatre performance created from scratch by participants on Breakin’ Convention’s Bring the Drama project.

Created in the space of 12 weeks, Free The Crown was devised by a cast of young artists devising the storyline, music and movements under the guidance of theatre mentors Debris Stevenson and Steve Macauley

In a tale of unexpected twists, the Queen finds herself thrown from her lavish palace life into the gritty streets of Peckham. Framed for a petty crime, she's stripped of her riches and respect, left to navigate a world she's never known.

Determined to clear her name and reclaim her throne, the Queen faces daunting challenges. From evading capture to surviving on the streets, she must confront the harsh realities of wealth inequality and societal injustice.

But as she fights for her own redemption, she discovers a greater purpose – to champion equality for all. With everything on the line – her legacy, her loved ones, her very identity – the Queen must choose: cling to the past or forge a new future. Can she survive in The Endz, or will she change it forever?

Location

Spotlight, Langdon Park, 30 Hay Currie St, London E14 6GN

Nearest DLR

Langdon Park

Bus routes:

108, 309

 
 
 
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Training for Teachers: Specialist CPD
Mar
30
3:30 pm15:30

Training for Teachers: Specialist CPD

Calling all hip hop practitioners and facilitators of self-development and wellbeing!

Translate your knowledge and experience of the creative industry into education with Academy Breakin’ Convention’s CPD Session.

Sign up to expand your teaching toolkit and understand ABC’s approach to education, plus learn how to reframe your practice in line with academic guidelines, increasing employability prospects for artists.

If you wish to attend our CPD Session be sure to register to secure your space.

Key Information:

Date – Saturday 30 March 2024

Time – 3.30 – 5pm

Location – Lilian Baylis Studio, 183 Rosebery Ave, London EC1R 4TJ

*ABC Open Days are not held at Sadler’s Wells East as the venue is due to open in 2024.

 
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Open Art Surgery - March 2024
Mar
9
7:30 pm19:30

Open Art Surgery - March 2024

 

Open Art Surgery returns for 2024 at Sadler’s Wells and invites you to delve into the mind and souls of some of the finest hip hop artists as they dare to try something new, dangerous and exciting!

Six acts present brand new short works devised and developed in just one week with mentorship from hip hop theatre aficionados such as Jonzi D, Jane Sekonya and Ivan Blackstock.

Line-up: Anja Milicic | Apex Zero & Corrie Onyx David King | Gary Clarke - UPG | Luke Lentes | Vasiliki Papapostolou

This unique event, which takes place at the end of a week of intense research and development, presents six new works to the audience who are then invited to critique, feedback and ask questions to the artists involved. Open Art Surgery is not about presenting finished work. The focus is to develop theatre skills within hip hop artists and to experiment with new ideas that could be developed further in the future.

Breaking down of the fourth wall to allow the audience to engage with the artists, Open Art Surgery is an unmissable event in the Breakin’ Convention calendar.

Hosted by Jonzi D

Open Art Surgery may contain language or content unsuitable for younger children.

Interested in taking part in a future Open Art Surgery?

 

What is Open Art Surgery?

 
 
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Back to the Lab 2024
Jan
27
7:30 pm19:30

Back to the Lab 2024

 

Showcasing the best choreographers in the hip hop dance theatre scene, Breakin’ Convention’s Back To The Lab returns!

Four hand-picked choreographers take part in this unique evening of cutting-edge premieres.

With artists: GSB (Gully South Block) | Hertz Three | Ibrah Silas Jackson | Solen Athanassopoulos – Cie Moakosso

Following two weeks of intensive training and mentorship from choreographic heavyweights Jonathan Burrows and Jonzi D, each artist will present a brand new short piece of work in front of an audience.

Hosted by Jonzi D, you are invited to give their feedback after the performances directly to the artists, ultimately shaping and refining the works in progress.

Watch: What is Back to the Lab?

Location: Lilian Baylis Theatre, Sadler’s Wells, Rosebery Avenue, London EC1R 4TN

 

Back to the Lab may contain language or content unsuitable for younger children. Line-up subject to change.

Image credits: Solen © AmboMendy | GSB © The Capsule | Ibrah © Mathieu Di Scala | Hertz Three © TC Hui  

 
 
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Voices of East Bank
Nov
4
4:30 pm16:30

Voices of East Bank

 

Breakin' Convention Rap Battle performance with Jonzi D - a Voices of East Bank Collaboration

Join us in the foyer of the UCL Marshgate Building in the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park at 4.30pm on Saturday 4 November 2023.

This collaboration between Breakin' Convention and Voices of East Bank will include Cockney rhyming slang rap battles from TWiiNTAKTIX, as mentored by battle rap icons Tony D and Locksmyth, plus a performance from Jonzi D of "Fish and Chips" from his seminal hip hop theatre production "Aeroplane Man."

Voices of East Bank promises to be an exciting and culturally-rich event that celebrates the language and culture of east London through the lens of hip hop.



 

Location: UCL Marshgate, 7 Sidings Street, London, England, E20 2AE

 
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Open Art Surgery - September 2023
Sep
23
7:30 pm19:30

Open Art Surgery - September 2023

 

Open Art Surgery returns for its second September date at Sadler’s Wells and invites you to delve into the mind and souls of some of the finest hip hop artists as they dare to try something new, dangerous and exciting!

Six acts present brand new short works devised and developed in just one week with mentorship from hip hop theatre aficionados Jonzi D, Jane Sekonya and Ivan Blackstock.

With artists:

Jandira “Jandilla” Baptista | Lauren Scott | Livia Kojo Alour | Lyndon J E Dasilva | Olu Alatise | Sasha Shadid

This unique event, which takes place at the end of a week of intense research and development, presents six new works to the audience who are then invited to critique, feedback and ask questions to the artists involved. Open Art Surgery is not about presenting finished work. The focus is to develop theatre skills within hip hop artists and to experiment with new ideas that could be developed further in the future.

Breaking down of the fourth wall to allow the audience to engage with the artists, Open Art Surgery is an unmissable event in the Breakin’ Convention calendar.

Hosted by Jonzi D

Open Art Surgery may contain language or content unsuitable for younger children.

 

What is Open Art Surgery?

 
 
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The Great Get Together 2023
Jul
1
12:00 pm12:00

The Great Get Together 2023

 
 

Inspired by and showcasing the best of east London

The Great Get Together is back!

The Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park’s free-to-enter, flagship community event is inspired by and showcases the best of east London, bringing together music, dance, arts, sports and food for all to enjoy.

Breakin’ Convention will be present in the Youth Zone 5-7pm and on the Main Stage between 4-5pm with Anmol Kaur's Aqua Collective, Gully LDN lead by Shoggs, Gully South Block, plus DJ Sev Raven spinning tunes in between.

Want to know what this even will be like? Enjoy these highlights from this past Great Get Together!

 
 
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Breakin' Convention Presents: The Ruggeds - State Shift
May
26
to 27 May

Breakin' Convention Presents: The Ruggeds - State Shift

 

Adapt, improvise, overcome. The Ruggeds present a vivid duo of pieces about going with the flow or swimming against the tide.

State Shift is a performance about adaptability, with the solo Turns and the duet Waterbrothers.

As water changes shape, Lee and Roy change their approach to the floor. In the duet Waterbrothers, they challenge each other in a stream of movements in which the younger brother sometimes storms past the older one.

In the solo Turns, Virgil ‘Skychief’ Dey tries to find his way. His ability to move gives him the freedom to always take a new path. State Shift is an intimate evening with musical accompaniment by Jessy ‘Boi Beige’ Kemper.

The Ruggeds have been a collective of breakers for 15 years and are pushing the boundaries of their dance style in the theatre.

Watch the trailer for State Shift

Running Time

1 hour (no interval)

Tickets

Prices from: £22.00

UK PREMIERE

 
 
 
 
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Open Art Surgery at Bernie Grant Arts Centre
Apr
15
7:30 pm19:30

Open Art Surgery at Bernie Grant Arts Centre

 

Open Art Surgery returns for its first 2023 London date, to an alternative venue - Bernie Grant Art’s Centre in Tottenham - and invites you to delve into the mind and souls of some of the finest hip hop artists as they dare to try something new, dangerous and exciting!

Six acts present brand new short works devised and developed in just one week with mentorship from hip hop theatre aficionados.

Featuring:
Angelica Gayle Brewster | Kofi Mingo | Matthew Eudu | Natalie James | Realitie | Sharifa Butterfly

This unique event, which takes place at the end of a week of intense research and development, presents six new works to the audience who are then invited to critique, feedback and ask questions to the artists involved.

Open Art Surgery is not about presenting finished work. The focus is to develop theatre skills within hip hop artists and to experiment with new ideas that could be developed further in the future.

Breaking down of the fourth wall to allow the audience to engage with the artists, Open Art Surgery is an unmissable event in the Breakin’ Convention calendar.

Hosted by Jonzi D

Open Art Surgery may contain language or content unsuitable for younger children.

 

What is Open Art Surgery?

 
 
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Breakin' Convention Presents: Soweto Skeleton Movers - Unbreakable
Apr
12
to 13 Apr

Breakin' Convention Presents: Soweto Skeleton Movers - Unbreakable

 
 

WORLD PREMIERE: Pantsula dance, Afro-house and incredible Skeleton styles combine to create a window into the Unbreakable spirit of Soweto. 

To celebrate 20 year's strong we’re bringing back Breakin’ Convention favourites Soweto Skeleton Movers with a brand new show at The Place.

From busking on Soweto’s Vilakazi Street to touring the world, this crew have astounded and amazed audiences with their comedic contortionism, frenetic footwork and magical hat tricks.

Now this new work sees each dancer share personal stories that put their Unbreakable spirit to the test, produced and co-choreographed by Lloyds Company and directed by Jonzi D. Watch as they explore township trauma through Pantsula dance, each seeking hope, healing and redemption.

Breakin’ Convention celebrate our 20th festival on 28 Apr – 1 May at Sadler’s Wells. Click here for the full line up of events.

Location: The Place, 17 Duke's Road, London, WC1H 9PY

Ticket price £18 (£14 concs)

Duration 1 hour

Content Warning

This production includes some imagery of near suicide.

 
 
 

Soweto Skeleton Movers UNBREAKABLE photos © Bart Grietens

 

Watch Soweto Skeleton Movers perform at Breakin’ Convention in the past!

 
 
 
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Word Becomes Flesh
Mar
11
7:30 pm19:30

Word Becomes Flesh

 

Spoken word and physical language.

Lyrically motivated movement.

Choreopoetry.

Word becomes flesh.

We're breaking new ground in East London by bringing together spoken word and dance artists for fresh new collaborations.

Kat Francois | Woodzy  | Thembe Mvula & Jane Sekonya John | Desiree & Kwame Asafo-Adjei | Broken Pen & Ryan Soultribe

Movement Director: Kwame Asafo-Adjei
Directed and curated by Jonzi D

Line-up is subject to change.

Artists looking to extend their craft into new realms will come together for two weeks of creative evolution before bringing their work to The Yard.

This is just the start of our takeover of East London, with the Hip Hop Theatre Academy set to develop the next generation of artists when it opens at Sadler’s Wells East in 2024.

We celebrate our 20th festival on 28 Apr – 1 May at Sadler’s Wells. Click here for the full line up of events.


DATES & TIMES

Saturday 11 March, 7:30pm

TICKETS 

Tickets are £12, £10 (concessions)

WAYS TO SAVE

Locals get 30% off all tickets with a free Yard Local Card – sign up online.

ACCESS

Access tickets are priced as concessions and can be booked online. We offer free tickets for companions and these must be booked by emailing marketing@theyardtheatre.co.uk

VENUE: The Yard Theatre, Unit 2a Queen's Yard, London E9 5EN

 

About Word Becomes Flesh - from Jonzi D

“Movement is the first response to any idea. A thought becomes movement before a word is uttered or written. Be it the hand reaching to a qwerty board, or the arytenoid muscles twisting to create speech. That intake of breath before the confession, the revelation or the call to arms. Words can be deceiving but the body cannot lie, until the body dies. So let’s dance our truth, pump our fists in unison, speak love with our hips, and choreograph freedom.”

 
 
 
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Back to the Lab 2023
Jan
28
7:30 pm19:30

Back to the Lab 2023

 

Showcasing the best choreographers in the hip hop dance theatre scene, Breakin’ Convention’s Back To The Lab returns!

Three hand-picked choreographers take part in this unique evening of cutting-edge premieres.

With: Amber “B-Girl Ambush” Williams, Chantelle Dawe, Justin De Jager and Leonardo ‘Leozin’ Laureano

Following two weeks of intensive training and mentorship from choreographic heavyweights such as Jonathan Burrows and Jonzi D with Jane Sekonya and Anthony Ekundayo-Lennon, each artist will present a brand new short piece of work in front of an audience.

Hosted by Jonzi D, you are invited to give their feedback after the performances directly to the artists, ultimately shaping and refining the works in progress.

Back to the Lab may contain language or content unsuitable for younger children. Line-up subject to change.

B-Girl Ambush

Chantelle Dawe

Justin De Jager

Leozin

 
 
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