ROYAL CONCERT HALL, NOTTINGHAM – UNTIL 16 MAY 2026
REVIEWED BY GERALDINE RENNIE
4****
Breakin’ Convention has been based at Sadler’s Wells Theatre in London since 2004. It leads a global hip hop dance theatre movement which showcases leading artists and connects communities through the power of dance, music and storytelling. Breakin’ Convention Festival 2026 was the world’s biggest festival of hip hop culture, which took over the Sadler’s Wells theatre at the start of May, followed by 9 dates around the country. This tour brings an exciting mixture of established, award winning acts as well as opportunities for local acts to perform on the stage and also in the foyer prior the mainstage performance
Hip Hop culture originated in the early 1970s in the Bronx, New York City, emerging from African-American, Afro-Caribbean, and Latino communities as a form of artistic expression and social commentary. Its 4 main pillars are DJing, MCing (or rapping), graffiti art, and breakdancing. My first experience of it here in the UK came in the 1980s when a piece of lino appeared in an un-used classroom and groups of (mainly) boys could be found trying out their kick outs and headspins to the sounds of Run-D.M.C.and the Beastie Boys. Tonight’s performance, hosted by Jonzi D, founder and Artistic Director of Breakin’ Convention, began with the same energy, channelled through dance and brought the audience to their feet.
The first crew, Take 1 Dance, exploded onto the stage in a cloud of energy with a really interesting range of moves that meant you wanted to look everywhere at once. They were followed by Tozer Studios whose strong moves were fierce, reinforced by the red and black
clothes and a whiplash of hair. The narrative of Beatbots was enhanced by the warmth of their matching colour theme as they surrounded their central dancer. All 3 local dance groups projected a really strong feeling of pride and unity and were a delight to watch.
This was followed by Femme Fatale who are of French and Korean origin. They moved with grace and poise and the use of the spotlight was notable as they danced trapped in its beam.
Local act Jah Digga, a Nottingham based rapper and poet reflected on ‘so many broken blokes.’ A similar theme was explored following the interval with TRAPLORD; a dark and menacing piece reflecting on guns, masculinity, poor mental health and suicide. Audiences were warned by Jonzi D that it might not be for everyone and 16+ years was advised. No age limit prepared the audience for the skills of the contortionist and there was a collective eewww as he rotated his shoulder to unheard of positions.
The highlight of the show came from ILL – Abilities; a differently able dance duo who commanded attention from the audience immediately. Their music drove the narrative but didn’t overpower it. Their beautifully symbiotic movements were mesmerising, graceful and to witness the dancer with 1 leg do a back flip from standing will stay in my mind for a long time