Sadler’s Wells’ annual festival of hip hop dance theatre is back for its 19th year, platforming cutting-edge dance rooted in the streets and presented on stage.

Expect bright lights, loud music and colourful costumes coming together in an annual Sadler’s Wells event that will excite and entertain the whole family, whether it’s their first time attending the theatre or the fiftieth.

Breakin’ Convention is far more than just a show – arrive early for activities in the foyers, including live DJs, dance circles, have-a-go graffiti, popular improvisation-based warm-up show Freestyle Funk Forum, workshops with the artists and much more you can watch and try.

The line up is packed with talent, featuring internationally renowned Australian choreographer and b-boy Nick Power, who presents his piece Between Tiny Cities. Dancers Aaron Lim and Erak Mith perform the duet in the round, blending the raw, wild energy of b-boy battles with skilful improvisation and choreography, offering a cross-cultural perspective on style, culture and locality.

Compagnie Niya bring Gueules Noires, choreographed by Rachid Hedli, the work pays a heartfelt tribute to the migrant workers of the Nord-Pas de Calais Mining Basin, including his father. Retracing life in the mines, Compagnie Niya’s razor-sharp breaking and popping skills create evocative images of solidarity, struggle and fraternity.

Ukrainian contortionist and dancer Kate Luzan makes her Breakin’ Convention debut with her striking take on hip hop, and she does it all in her signature high heels. London based dance artist and performance maker Amanda Pefkou performed in Breakin’ Convention’s Open Art Surgery in 2021 and presents a passionate krump piece inspired by her Cypriot lineage as well as her mother.

Full line up to be announced soon, tickets for the Friday night performances of Compagnie Niya will be available to buy in the coming weeks.

Touring calendar