Breakin’ Convention Workshops
2 & 3 May 2026
The Breakin’ Convention Festival’s workshop programme is a hot house of technique, challenge and creativity. This is your opportunity to hone your technique or try dance for the first time, learning from some of the best hip hop, house and funk style dancers from across the globe.
All workshops take place at Sadler’s Wells Studios in Angel, please meet at Stage Door. How to get here
Header image © Belinda Lawley
Workshop: Hip-hop warm-up & Stretching methods
Artist: Nefeli ‘sMash’ Tsiouti/Project Breakalign
Level: General
Location: Sadler’s Wells Studio A – meet at Stage Door
Saturday 2 May, 12:00 – 1:30 pm
£10.00
Led by Nefeli ‘sMash‘ Tsiouti (Physiotherapist, Sports Massage Therapist, Dance Scientist), Founder of Project Breakalign, this workshop is geared towards dancers and dance teachers, aiming to acquire in-depth knowledge to create a tailored warm-up for different dance genres and techniques.
Do you always do the same warm-up, for yourself, your company and your students? Does your warm-up not feel sufficient for the dance activity that you are doing? Do you get injured early in your training sessions? Then this workshop is designed to give you hands-on practical tools on how to design the appropriate warm-up for each dance group and each training sessions, in order to prepare the body safely and adequately, and reduce the risk of injury.
Alongside these, the workshop will cover different stretching methods, based on research from dance medicine and science, and how to use these effectively for maximum recovery and performance optimisation.
Popping
Artist: Rock Force Crew – Cece
Level: General
Location: Sadler’s Wells Studio B – meet at Stage Door
Saturday 2nd May, 14:00 pm – 15:30
£10.00
Dive into the sharp, controlled world of popping with Rock Force Crew. Fusing precision, rhythm, and individuality, their approach highlights the roots of hip-hop while keeping performance and creativity at the forefront.
In this workshop, you’ll:
- Learn core popping techniques, hits, and isolations
- Develop musicality and body control
- Explore flow and expression that make the style unique
Beyond moves, this session emphasizes timing, self-expression and the mindset behind the art – helping you bring personality and presence to every beat.
Hip Hop Freestyle
Artist: Let It Happen
Level: General
Location: Sadler’s Wells Studio C – meet at Stage Door
Sunday 3 May, 10:30 – 12:00 pm
£10.00
Step into the world of Let It Happen – the sister trio known for their energy, musicality, and unique freestyle flow. Rooted in hip hop, soul, and self-expression, their style blends groove, creativity, and instinct.
In this workshop, you’ll explore freestyle through their approach: feel the music, trust your movement, and experiment with exercises that unlock your personal style.
It’s a session full of energy, spontaneity and discovery. You’ll walk away with inspired new ideas and a fresh perspective on your own freestyle.
Breaking
Artist: Rock Force Crew – Tabu
Level: General
Location: Sadler’s Wells Studio B – meet at Stage Door
Sunday 3 May, 12:00pm – 13:30
£10.00
Step into the legacy of Rock Force Crew, one of the most respected breakdance crews from the U.S., founded in California in 1983. Known for raw power, originality and battle-ready energy, Rock Force has inspired generations of b-boys and b-girls around the world.
In this workshop, you’ll:
- Learn foundational and advanced breaking moves
- Explore floorwork, power moves, and musicality
- Understand the mindset and culture that have kept the crew strong across decades
This is a chance to experience the energy, history and spirit of breaking as it has been shared and practised over time.
House Dance
Artist: Marie Kaae
Level: General
Location: Sadler’s Wells Studio A – meet at Stage Door
Sunday 3 May, 14:00 – 15:30 pm
£10.00
Join Marie Kaae, Danish-Kurdish-Cameroonian choreographer and house dance specialist with over 30 years of performing arts experience, for a workshop exploring modern Black dance genres. Known internationally for her work connecting music and movement, Marie will guide you through exercises and freestyle exploration that emphasize rhythm, authenticity, and expression.
Develop your musicality, experiment with movement, and discover new ways to let your body respond to music. An opportunity to learn for a celebrated artist, this creative session is about moving with intention and soul.
Workshop Guidelines & Level Info
To make sure everyone gets the most out of the experience, please review the following before registering:
No Observers
All workshops are participation only. Observing without dancing is not permitted – come ready to move!
Age Requirement
Participants must be 10 years or older. No exceptions.
No Beginner Classes
These workshops are designed for dancers with experience. A minimum of 2 years of consistent training, classes, or battle/performance experience is required.
Level Descriptions
To help you choose the right class for your skill level:
General Level: Open to a wide range of dancers with at least 2 years of experience. Instructors may adapt exercises, but a solid foundation is expected. Not for beginners.
Intermediate: For dancers with 3+ years of experience, comfortable with technique, terminology, and freestyle. Classes will move at a faster pace with deeper focus on execution, musicality, and concept development.
Intermediate/Advanced: Designed for dancers with extensive training and battle/performance experience. These sessions push creative boundaries, refine control, and demand strong technical understanding. Expect to be challenged physically and mentally.