Review: Breakin' Convention

From Natasha Bunbury

Sadler's Wells Theatre

London 13th May - Hip Horror and 16th May - Main Stage

In a discipline where Hip-Hop culture and dance is not taken seriously, Breakin’ Convention is a necessary and relevant event �" doing its part in breaking stereotypes.

The various dance forms in the hip-hop genre face a mountain of simulated media images of bling, sin and its shallow symbolism propagated and perpetuated by the music industry. Breakin’ Convention focuses and uniquely platforms the work of the prolific dancers and choreographers in this area as 'Art' and 'Theatre'.

BC (Breakin’ Convention) is an international event with major Hip-Hop dance countries such as France, the USA and Korea represented alongside UK groups and artists. The Russians were a new addition to BC ’05 - a fact spotlighting the growth and development in the art form globally.

Never the less, it needs to be said that there is a short distance yet to be covered by the UK groups. The artistic development was in general not as rich or established as say the French.

Lets take the magnificent physical strength in movement displayed by Wanted posse, or the inventiveness of Cie Revolution AMAZONES. In both these French compositions you saw dancers with a ballet and contemporary dance training using Hip-Hop in a very experimental unbridled way. Inspiring the audience, which included young people, Breakin Convention brought us dancers moving in a way that may never normally be seen on these shores. Their performances clearly underline the benefits of being financially backed and creatively supported by their arts council.

Having said this, overall I still preferred the content of the UK dance groups. With an undeniable history and influence in the understanding of contemporary / jazz choreography, they where the storytellers. Contributors in Lillian Baylis Theatre, such as Irven Lewis and D-physics, demonstrated very thoughtful work that lingered with the spectators and provoked discussion.

However the USA’s works represented a pure and traditional repertoire, handed down through the years uncomplicated by having to adapt to another format in order to be recognised and valued.

Shonn Boog, with his great dance family roots, is the youngest member of the Electric Boogaloos (the EBs). The son of Poppin Pete, Shonn is carrying the torch for preserving origins, by perfecting his uncle Boogaloo Sam’s repertoire. The EBs, new to this year’s great performance platform, presented a family piece that defied the generation gap. Sam was effortless; Pete was dynamic and Shonn electrifying.

Also deserving of a mention was Korea’s Project Soul whose technical abilities where simply breathtaking.

In fact each country had their own version and style of dance and so brilliantly demonstrated their inherent cultures. The whole event proved how 'world wide' this art form has become.

Coming from that perspective, the spirit of B-boyin' (Break dancing), i.e. personal character, individuality and funkstyling, is shown as each country becomes that countries "B-Boy / Funkstyling crew", competing in an international "battle".

Therefore it is an absolute must for crews to be able to ‘REPRESENT’ on the dance floor and overall the UK Crew needs to step up a level (with the backing and creative support financially to do this). The majority UK groups on their second appearance to BC showed minimal progression in the intervening 12 months. For example Boy Blue where outstanding in 2004 and much anticipated again this year. Although they still produced a great show, the potential of this group is huge but was not maximised. As a foot-note, Twitch �" another eagerly anticipated group from BC '04 didn’t even appear, due to not receiving funding. In Contrast Robert Hylton was able to produce fresh, new work for BC '05.

Dance is just one of the elements of Hip-Hop culture and in its own way reflects Traditional African dance and culture, as it too was born out of the African Diaspora. People all around the world now walk, talk, listen, and live for hip-hop. It is absolutely fundamental for us all involved in dance to allow Hip-Hop dance forms to have that freedom to evolve just as African dance has. So… watch this space!

Breakin' Convention run from 13th -16th May 2005