SADLER’S WELLS’ annual celebration of hip hop dance theatre Breakin’ Convention has announced an exciting new young East London crew for its nineteenth year, and there are a few changes to the announcement made earlier this year.

Breakin’ Convention 2022 runs from April 29 to May 1 and is renowned for platforming British Black talent as well as dynamic dance companies from all over the world.

Founded in 2004 by Jonzi D, Breakin’ Convention artistic director and Sadler’s Wells associate artist, the festival has been hugely influential, touring both the UK over the years and internationally.

EASTablishment, a crew from East London aged just 16-24, make their stage debut as they launch Breakin’ Convention on Saturday April 30. Their new work comes courtesy of Nicey Belgrave and Kelsey ‘Hydro’ Miller of award-winning hip hop dance company Boy Blue. Other London acts at the festival this year include Breakin’ Convention favourites BirdGang Dance Company plus Far From The Norm, led by Olivier award-winning choreographer Botis Seva.

In 2020 US based poet jessica Care moore, master of waacking Axelle ‘Ebony’ Munezero from Montreal and esteemed jazz musician Soweto Kinch collaborated on Our Bodies Back, directed by Jonzi D and presenting a powerful rendering of Black female voices. Breakin’ Convention 2022 sees the trio reunite to perform a new work; this time live on stage.

As well, a brand-new film and sequel to Our Bodies Back, Autocorrect is to be premiered. Directed once again by Jonzi D, this new film will represent Black male voices featuring original Boy Blue member and Magic Mike Live dancer, Theo ‘Godson’ Oloyade, Drew Dollaz of New York’s Next Level Squad and Abdul Abdanger, founder of Uganda’s hip hop dance organisation Batalo East. They will perform to music by Soweto Kinch and poetry by acclaimed poet, musician, actor and writer Saul Williams.

Breakin’ Convention runs from Friday 29 April to Sunday May 1. For full information go to https://www.breakinconvention.com/

THE INTERVIEW BELOW WAS DONE EARLIER THIS YEAR AND SOME THINGS HAVE CHANGED …