Breakin’ Convention returns to Theatre Royal Plymouth in Spring 2023, as part of celebrations for its 20th anniversary.
Hosted and curated by Breakin’ Convention’s Artistic Director Jonzi D, the 2023 festival showcases exceptional hip hop crews from all over the UK including top poppers, lockers, b-boys and b-girls plus showstopping international acts.
As well as the two main shows on 23 and 24 May, the theatre’s foyer will undergo a makeover complete with live DJs, graffiti artists and freestyle dance sessions so everyone can join in.
A renowned and inclusive celebration of hip hop culture, Breakin’ Convention’s all-new international line-up includes South Korea’s breakin’ crew MOVER, Netherland’s influential forces of funk Ghetto Funk Collective, and Dutch international hip hop pole champion Yvonne Smink.
Alongside the international acts, the festival will showcase local performers and dance groups on stage too. These include Plymouth companies Street Factory, The Groovement Project Dance Company and Rhythm City.
Breakin’ Convention Artistic Director Jonzi D said: “20 years strong! We started big. We presented pioneering OGs from the US, breaking champions from Korea, and visionaries from France. 20 years has flown by because our values have remained intact. Our goals are clear. The concept is the same as it ever was… ‘The best hip hop theatre from around the world, and around the corner.’”
Drew Shears, who runs the Groovement Project Dance Company in Plymouth, said: “I’m super excited to be involved in Breakin’ Convention this year. Not only is it the 20th year of Breakin’ Convention, it’s also the 50th year of hip-hop culture, so it’s going to be even bigger than before. I’m super excited to be choreographing two of the pieces on stage and performing in one piece too.”
The full line-up is as follows:
Tue 23 May 2023 at 7.30pm
Beat-Breakers (UK)
Chicago Footwork UK (UK)
Street Factory (UK)
Studio 4 (UK)
Ghetto Funk Collective (Netherlands)
Mover (South Korea)
Yvonne Smink (Netherlands)
Wed 24 May at 7.30pm
Perry Johnson (UK)
Poppin’ Ollie (UK)
Rhythm City (UK)
The Groovement Project Dance Company (UK)
Ghetto Funk Collective (Netherlands)
Mover (South Korea)
Yvonne Smink (Netherlands)
Tickets for Breakin’ Convention in Plymouth can be purchased now via the TRP website.