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Breakin’ Convention International Festival of Hip Hop Dance Theatre

On tour

Four hip hop dancers onstage, one does a flip off another's back
Breakin’ Convention is the critically acclaimed festival of hip hop dance theatre which has been running at Sadler’s Wells since 2004. Featuring the best hip hop dance theatre performers from around the world and around the corner, Breakin’ Convention has toured all over the UK and presented two massively successful runs at the Apollo Theater in Harlem, New York.

Breakin’ Convention is back on tour for 2026! Prepare to be blown away by high-energy, world-class performances from celebrated poppers, lockers, b-boys and b-girls.

Get ready for the mighty TRAPLORD, the Olivier Award-winning creation from Ivan Michael Blackstock – a visionary creative behind choreography for Beyoncé and other global names. Exploring masculinity and mental health, TRAPLORD is a powerful fusion of movement and storytelling which challenges racial stereotypes of Black men. Femme Fatale (France/ Mexico/ South Korea), a mesmerising female trio known for their musicality, precision and technique. You’ll also experience some members of the trailblazing ILL-Abilities (Netherlands/Brazil), an all-star crew of differently abled b-boys. All this, plus incredible local talent from across the UK.

Curated and hosted by UK hip hop theatre legend and Breakin’ Convention Artistic Director Jonzi D, this dynamic celebration of hip hop culture will fill the entire venue from stage to foyer with live DJs, graffiti artists, freestyle dance sessions, and much more.

Since 2004, Breakin’ Convention, based at Sadler’s Wells Theatre in London, has led the global hip hop theatre movement, showcasing leading artists and connecting communities through the power of dance, music, and storytelling.

Touring calendar
Saturday 9 May Canterbury, The Marlowe Get tickets
Tuesday 12 May Newcastle, Tyne Theatre and Opera House Get tickets
Friday 15 & Saturday 16 May Nottingham, Royal Concert Hall Get tickets
Wednesday 20 May Coventry, Belgrade Theatre Get tickets
Saturday 23 May Glasgow, Tramway Get tickets
Wednesday 27 May Brighton, Brighton Dome + Family Matinee Get tickets
Saturday 30 May Poole, Lighthouse + Family Matinee Get tickets
Wednesday 3 June Doncaster, CAST Get tickets
Saturday 6 June Blackpool, The Grand Get tickets

After 2 years of restrictions, I’m happy to say Breakin’ Convention is back with a full international program featuring premieres from Peru, Ukraine, and Czech Republic! Also proudly presenting a variety of award-winning UK acts. I look forward to the DJs, the dance cyphers, and all the immersive elements of Breakin’ Convention that we’ve missed so much.JONZI D, BREAKIN’ CONVENTION ARTISTIC DIRECTOR

What I love most about Breakin’ Convention is the sheer breadth of artistry on offer★★★★★ THE TIMES

From new styles to accepted masters, it’s a festival with sharp moves and a happy sense of community★★★★ THE INDEPENDENT

Breakin’ Convention confirms hip hop as one of the social and artistic forces of our timeTHE GUARDIAN

It’s clear that the event’s reputation as an instrument for positive cultural engagement across class, gender, racial – as well as the geographical – lines is well earned; not just in relation to those on stage, but in regard to those who make-up the audience.AFRIDIZIAK

Get in touch

If you’re interested in booking this production for a venue or festival, we’d love to hear from you.

Aristea Charalampidou
Tour Producer
aristea.charalampidou@sadlerswells.com