Welcome to Breakin’ Convention – A Hip Hop Takeover

Forget everything you know about Sadler’s Wells - this ain’t your usual night at the theatre. Breakin’ Convention flips the whole venue into the world’s biggest hip hop festival of dance, where the energy is raw, the vibe is electric, and the culture is alive. Hosted and curated by the legendary Jonzi D, founder of Breakin’ Convention, this is the world’s biggest festival of hip hop dance theatre, bringing you the freshest works from your favourite artists. There are no stiff seats or silent crowds here, feel free to cheer, shout, move, and get hyped! Roll through with your crew, dive into the cyphers, and catch world-class artists up close, not just on stage but right next to you. This is hip hop in its purest form - expressive, immersive, and for everyone.

History of Hip Hop

Hip hop is more than just music; it's a revolutionary cultural movement rooted in resistance, creative expression, and nonconformity. Drawing from ancient African music and storytelling traditions, as well as influences from disco, funk, and underground club scenes - including queer ballroom culture - hip hop as we know it today took shape in the Bronx, New York, in the 1970s. Emerging from the struggles of youth who used music, dance, and art as a means of self-expression and survival, pioneers like DJ Kool Herc and Grandmaster Flash laid the foundation for what would become a global phenomenon.

The 1990s and 2000s saw artists like Tupac Shakur, Nas, Jay-Z, and Missy Elliott push the genre further, blending storytelling with social commentary and commercial success, paving the way for artists like Doechii and Kendrick Lamar to dominate the charts. Today, hip hop is the most influential music culture in the world, shaping fashion, politics, and society while remaining one of the most powerful forms of expression and a voice for the voiceless.

What Are the Core Elements of Hip Hop Culture?

Hip hop is built upon five key elements, each representing a different form of artistic expression:

• DJing (Turntablism): The art of manipulating records, creating beats, and setting the musical foundation for hip hop.

• MCing (Rapping): Lyrical storytelling, delivering messages through rhythm and rhyme.

• Breaking (Breakdancing): A dynamic dance style featuring acrobatics, power moves, and intricate footwork.

• Graffiti (Writing): Visual art that serves as a form of social and political commentary, reclaiming public spaces with murals and tags.

• Knowledge: Awareness of history, culture, and social issues, amplifying marginalised voices.

Who Are Some Prominent Figures in Hip Hop?

Hip hop has produced some of the most influential artists across generations:

• Founding Figures: DJ Kool Herc, Grandmaster Flash, Grandmaster Flowers, Grand Wizard Theodore, Marley Marl, Rock Steady Crew

• Golden Era Pioneers: KRS-One, Public Enemy, Rakim, De La Soul, A Tribe Called Quest, Salt & Pepa, MC Lyte

• Icons of the 90s: Tupac Shakur, The Notorious B.I.G., Nas, Jay-Z, Missy Elliott, Wu-Tang Clan, Lauryn Hill

• Contemporary Leaders: Kendrick Lamar, J. Cole, Drake, Doechii

• UK Influences: London Posse, Klashnekoff, Dizzee Rascal, Little Simz, Kano, Bashy, Ghetts

How Has Hip Hop Impacted Society?

Hip hop is a voice for the unheard. It has consistently engaged with society, addressing issues like systemic racism, police brutality, economic inequality, and social justice. Whether it’s Public Enemy’s calls for political awareness, Kendrick Lamar’s reflections on Black identity, or Grime artists speaking on working-class struggles in the UK, hip hop remains a force for change. Beyond music, hip hop has influenced fashion, language, education, and activism, bridging gaps between communities worldwide.

How Did Hip Hop Reach the UK?

Hip hop arrived in the UK in the early 1980s, heavily influenced by American artists and films like Wild Style. Youth in cities like London, Bristol, Manchester, and Birmingham, especially those from African Caribbean backgrounds adopted the culture and blended it with UK club scenes. This fusion helped birth homegrown movements like Britcore, Jungle, Garage, and Grime. Grime, pioneered by artists like So Solid Crew, Wiley, and Dizzee Rascal, fused hip hop with Dancehall and electronic music, creating a uniquely British sound. Today, UK Rap and UK Drill continue to evolve, cementing Britain’s place in global hip hop culture.

What is Breakin’ Convention?

Breakin’ Convention is the world’s biggest festival of hip hop dance theatre, held annually at Sadler’s Wells since 2004. Founded by Jonzi D, it has become a global platform celebrating hip hop culture through dance, music, and artistic expression. Featuring local and international talent, the festival honours hip hop’s roots while pushing creative boundaries, proving that the culture remains as relevant and innovative as ever.

Who is Breakin’ Convention For?

Breakin' Convention is for anyone who loves hip hop or wants to experience its energy firsthand. The main festival weekend welcomes audiences aged 12 and over, with parental discretion for younger attendees.

Beyond the main event, we offer Park Jam on Monday 5 May (Bank holiday Monday) - a free, family-friendly hip hop celebration at Spa Fields Park. This outdoor gathering features live music, food stalls, a marketplace, a dance court, and games, making it a perfect day out for all ages.

We’re also excited to introduce a brand-new family weekend at Sadler’s Wells East, the new Sadler’s Wells Theatre in Stratford, across 25-26 April, packed with performances, workshops, and community showcases.

At Breakin’ Convention, everyone is welcome. We are committed to providing a safe, inclusive space where creativity thrives. We do not tolerate harmful behavior, prejudice, or discrimination.

Should I Arrive Early?

Absolutely! We recommend arriving from 4pm to make the most of everything happening throughout the venue. Dive into graffiti workshops, join the cyphers, have a dance with our DJs, enjoy great food and music, and don’t miss the Freestyle Funk Forum!

What Should I Expect?

Get ready for a hip hop experience like no other. Expect an interactive, electric atmosphere. Unlike traditional theatre experiences, here you can cheer, shout, move, and immerse yourself in the performances. There may be adult themes explored in the performances, and explicit language in the accompanying music, so we advise parental discretion for any attendees between the ages of 12 and 18. The event is lively, welcoming, and community-driven, embracing hip hop’s spirit of participation.

What Should I Wear?

Wear whatever makes you feel comfortable! Whether you’re rocking fresh kicks and a streetwear fit or keeping it casual, Breakin’ Convention is all about self-expression.

What Else is On Offer, Beyond Performances?

Breakin’ Convention is an interactive cultural experience with:

• Live Graffiti Art – Watch artists create stunning murals.

• Dance Workshops – Learn from top choreographers.

• DJ Workshops – Get hands-on with turntables and mixing.

• Panel Discussions – Engage with artists on hip hop’s evolution.

• Food Offerings – Fuel up with great street food.

• Park Jam (Monday 5 May) – A free, open-air hip hop event at Spa Fields Park.

What Dance Styles Will I See?

• Breaking (B-boying/B-girling) – The foundation of hip hop dance.

• Popping & Locking – Funk styles with sharp hits and fluid waves.

• K.R.U.M.P. – A high-energy, expressive dance form.

• Waacking & Vogueing – Styles emphasising precision and attitude.

• Tutting – Intricate hand and arm movements creating geometric patterns.

What Themes Are Explored in Performances?

• Social Justice & Activism – Addressing inequality and resistance.

• Personal Identity & Growth – Exploring self-discovery and empowerment.

• Joy & Celebration – The sheer love of dance and hip hop.

• Cultural Heritage & Roots – Honouring hip hop’s origins and evolution.

Whether you're an OG hip hop head or new to the culture, Breakin’ Convention is where you need to be! Expect world-class performances, a celebration of hip hop, and an unforgettable experience.