back Greetings peeps! Before I get into BC '05, I just wanna send a big shout out to all the artists, Sadler's Wells crew, Boss Media crew and audience members that made last years Breakin' Convention THE event of the year! I always knew it was going to work, but this was BIG TINGS! I knew presenting the Electric Boogaloos in the UK for the first time in over 20 years was BIG, and that world b-boy battle winning crews like Project Soul and Vagabonds performing dance theatre in the UK was BIG, and that gathering some of London's premier underground street dance crews like Boy Blue and Impact to perform on the main stage at the Wells was BIG… but this was PROPER BIG TINGS! That gloriously sunny weekend last may was blessed with fresh creative energy, community spirit, and a wide-eyed wonderment that only the Hip Hop arts and culture could deliver. People of all ages, ethnicities and faiths came to together to celebrate an unforgettable moment in the history of UK dance theatre. I don't recall Sadler's Wells ever having such a diverse audience… have they? For all those people out there last year who were on a 'long ting', umming and ahhing over when to buy tickets and ended up tearfully tapping away on the Sadler's Wells specially toughened glass when it sold out, I'm sorry…. but YOU MISSED IT! Over the last year, my relationship with Sadler's Wells has gone from strength to strength. Last month I was announced as one of their artists in residence, with support from the Arts Council England to help develop my company as a regular funded organisation. I've got 5 years worth of ideas that I can finally start working on! A new dance piece called TAG, me versus the city, a Hip Hop theatre workshop program, and a regular Hip Hop jam session called 'The Surgery' (experiments in the operating theatre!) and of course… Breakin Convention '05…. '06…..'07. This year the festival is extended by a day, Friday 13th. I'm not superstitious, but I do like horror movies, so what an opportunity to do a themed opening to the festival - Hip Hop Horror night! The rest of the weekend follows the same format as last year, with mixed up madness from the super-trio of DJ's - the En4cers - spinning their decks in the foyers; a MASSIVE line-up of performances from artists from France, Korea, USA, Russia together with our own home-grown talent. It would take me all night to list everyone who features in this so check out the programme page for the complete break-down. Youth Dance companies will feature heavily once again, giving over 200 young performers the opportunity to perform on the main stage, with other crews showcasing in the foyers and this year's masterclass programme is going to be heavy - how often do you get the opportunity to pop with Poppin' Pete (and his son!); lock with Gemini; freestyle with Bboy Crumbs (Style Elements) and bboy world champions Project Soul!? Like my man Mell'O' says: “Last year we proved that it is possible to ignite and encourage the rebirth of poppin and breaking and street expression for a whole new generation”. Come and celebrate the energy and innovation of Hip Hop at Breakin' Convention 05. Peace n blessings.. Jonzi D