Dance Review: Breakin' Convention '05 - Sadler's Wells, London - Sunday 15 May 2005

Writer : Ike Ikwuemesi

I hadn't been front and centre at the stage pit of Sadler's Wells' theatre for long, before I bumped into a photographer friend of mine. He asked if I got the play of words on Breakin' Convention. I said no. But after I thought about it long and hard for about 5 seconds, the cogs in the old grey matter started turning. And how apt the title of the event was: hot to def street dance in not the most likeliest of venues. Well and truly "breaking convention". To be fair, Sadler's Wells have had urban-themed acts thread its boards (I'm thinking Ren and Carlos Acosta), but none so dedicated to the art form of hip hop dancing.

Breakin Convention is the brainchild of Sadler's Wells' recently appointed artistic director Jonzi D, a veteran of all things street, and then some. The BC, an annual event that only started last year, has already become a permanent fix in the calendar of followers of the art. And it's totally understandable to see why. Each year, Jonzi combs the globe to find the freshest dance crews to converge at Sadlers' Wells and delight us no end for three days.

This year, on the first day, I bore witness to the larger-than-life troupe known as The Wanted Posse, a crew from France showcasing what the physical body is capable of doing when scored to melodious beats. Prior to Wanted were Impact Dance with an energizing street-style performance inspired by future noir movies like The Matrix, no doubt. To cap off the day were Style Elements from Stateside: poppin' and lockin' West Coast style.

Breakin' Convention is one of those events that leave you talking about it 'til the next one comes around the following year. Words like 'awesome', 'unbelievable' and 'dai-yum!' will likely be springing from your lips once you peep it. Mark your calendars for the next one now.