back Hi! My name is Jonzi D. It's my pleasure to invite you to an unprecedented event at one of London's most prestigious venues. Sadler's Wells and Still Brock Productions, with support from Bloomberg, present the first International Hip Hop Dance Theatre festival in the UK. Let's start Breakin' Convention. Hip Hop is the most popular youth culture in the world today. Influencing the language, dress and lifestyle of communities from Thailand to Tower Hamlets since the late 1970's. The artistic pillars of Hip Hop; DJ'ing, Breakin' and popping, graffitti writing and emceeing were the tools of expression. Back then it was about skills, originality and empowerment in an economically alienated community. Now in 2004, it's become a multi million dollar industry that sells everything from sportswear to fizzy drinks to insurance. The original principles of Hip Hop have been obscured by bling bling monotony and the designer 'gangsta rapper'. What happened to the skills? Where is the unbridled creativity that shouted freedom? It's underground and alive. Let's start Breakin' Convention... Alistair Spalding, aka Big Al, and I were reasoning a few years ago about a Hip Hop dance festival. I said that the creativity of the virtuoso b-boy and the funky articulation of the body popper, will develop choreography that will revolutionise contemporary dance theatre. I gladly accepted his invitation to curate this festival, and give Sadler's Wells a Hip Hop makeover. Big up Big Al! As a result of touring Lyrikal Fearta to Hip Hop festivals around the world, I've been exposed to a growing community of artists creating Hip Hop inspired dance theatre. Breakin' Convention will bring together some of the freshest acts in a diverse program of new-skool b-boyism. From the darkly, poetic popping of Endangered Species by Rennie Harris, to the irreverent humour of the Vagabond Crew. The fluid momentum of Montreal's Rubberbandance, to the surreal imagery of Compagnie Käfig. Project Soul from Korea, featuring the UK B-Boy Championship finalists, will be creating a new piece for the festival. My Hip Hop theatre family in the UK are in the house! Benji Reid, one of my earliest collaborators, performs the inspired 13 Mics. Robert Hylton's Urban Classicism and Banxy showcase solos, alongside the all female group Twitch in the Lillian Baylis. Demonstrating the roots of Hip Hop dance culture, the legendary Electric Boogaloos will be performing in London for the first time in 25 years. Also premiering will be Tommy the Clown and the Hip Hop Krumpers, a new street dance phenomenon from South Central LA, as featured on the Channel 4 special 'Clowns in the Hood'. Also on the mainstage will be ZooNation, Hip Hop Collective, Impact Dance, Boy Blue and various youth groups from outreach projects associated with Breakin' Convention. I will be hosting the proceedings, alongside UK Hip Hop legend, MC Mell 'O'. DJ Pogo, Cutmaster Swift, and DJ Bizznizz, mix breakbeats on the mezzanine from 4pm. Good food. Chill out area, with artwork by Prime. This is an event for all ages, races, religions and genders! Come and celebrate the energy and innovation of Hip Hop at Breakin' Convention. Peace n blessings.. Jonzi D