From street to stage

Breakin’ Convention, now in its ninth year at Sadler’s Wells, offers a feast of hip hop for all-comers, be they newbies or hip hop heads.

Hip hop developed in the Bronx in the late 1970s from a mix of Bboying (breakdance), graffiti art, MC-ing and DJ-ing. From street-corner hobby of young Afro and Latin American ghetto teenagers, it exploded into a worldwide phenomenon. The transition from street to stage has been turbulent, provoking fierce debate on the direction of hip hop culture. Only Bboying seems to have maintained its integrity.

Bboying’s significant theatre presence is down to strong-minded individuals who understand that the dance form does not have to remain a competitive street art. It first appeared in mixed bill shows, but it was the introduction of hip hop movements into other dance styles that put it centre stage.

The present-day hip hop theatre scene is rich with creative and innovative work, and BC ’12 is a great showcase.