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Breakin’ Convention

The critically-acclaimed international festival of hip hop dance theatre Breakin’ Convention is coming to Norwich. Known as one of the major highlights on the British dance calendar, it is confirmed for Norwich Theatre Royal on Saturday May 13 next year, with tickets going on sale this winter. It will feature some of the world’s top hip hop acts including Soweto Skeleton Movers and Tentacle Tribe who will be flown into the UK to perform sets on the Theatre Royal stage.

But it is not just about the high-profile globally-renowned acts as East Anglian dance companies are getting the chance to share the stage with these big names. Breakin’ Convention is looking for companies or groups who can dance hip-hop or street to a high level, can use those dance techniques in a different and exciting way, and have a story to tell or a concept to explore. They may be making a statement which is political or cultural, and must have a passion to  explore the world of hip hop dance theatre.

Breakin’ Convention is also keen to work with, and mentor  the next generation of film-makers.  Dave Barros, the festival’s digital communications officer, said:

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“We want to hear from innovative, emerging film-makers from East Anglia with an understanding of hip hop culture to tell unique stories and promote the positive aspect of hip hop to the rest of the world. We want film-makers who can contribute to our vision.”

The deadline for dance companies/groups and film-makers is October 28th.

More international performers are due to be announced soon for Breakin’ Convention’s visit to Norwich. There is huge interest in Soweto Skeleton Movers who mix comedic contortionism with the Pantsual dance style popular in the townships of South Africa. They combine Afro house with the soundtrack of the struggle for liberation in what promises to be an incredible performance.

Joining them will be the Montreal-based Tentacle Tribe which creates dance mixing the hip-hop style with influences drawn from the natural world. More international performers will be confirmed for the Norwich performance in the weeks ahead.

Breakin’ Convention is now in its 14th year and is known for being one of the world’s greatest celebrations of hip hop culture. It was founded by Jonzi D, who is also its artistic director, as well as being a dancer and spoken word artist in his own right.

Over the last two decades, he has set out to influence the development of the UK British hip hop dance and theatre scene. Jonzi has devised and directed a number of hip-hop inspired productions as well as touring his own work internationally and judging dance competitions worldwide. The aim of Breakin’ Convention is to make hip hop as popular and accessible as other types of performance though youth projects and development programmes as well as the Festival itself.

[box type=”info” align=”” class=”” width=””]To find out more and apply, click: http://breakinconvention.com/news/bctv-film-mentorship-programme-2017-apply[/box]
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