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‘...._5 ' r “a ' ._ ‘ i i i " ‘fi m a... 51‘ it May 2007. hip hop came to
. - Edinburgh. A laughable comment for r those already immersed in the scene. but
of 9‘ '-... ”NOV-“‘9: hop dance theatre.’
Another major strength of Breakin' .. (‘onvention is the seamless blend of old 1
lidinburgh will be ama/ing again this year. because the word is out and people have got a sense of what it is.‘
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for many people it was the start of a beautiful friendship. Having taken London by storm every year since 2004. Breakin' Convention finally branched out into the rest of the UK. and turned the Edinburgh Festival Theatre into a den of hip hop dance theatre.
Two years later. it’s happening all over again. DJs. beatboxers. graffiti artists and breakers will create a pre-show buzz in the foyer. while on-stage. three world-class hip hop acts will rub shoulders with local talent. And if the 2007 event is anything to go by. everyone from toddlers to pensioners will have a ball. ‘Edinburgh was amazing.‘ recalls Breakin‘ Convention‘s artistic director. Jonzi D. 'The venue was filled with energy and excitement and the local acts were incredible. And I think that
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Hip hop dance in its various guises has been around for decades. but access to it hasn't always been easy. l'ntil fairly recently in the l'ls'. if you wanted to take in a spot of breaking. popping and locking. you had to head for the clubs. Thanks to Breakin' Convention. companies such as Zoo Nation (/1110 the Hands) and Boy Blue (Pied Piper) have found their way into mainstream venues.
'Some people argue whether theatres are the correct arena for this kind of dance.’ says Jon/i. “They say it should only be done in clubs or on the streets. But that's just limiting the potential. because once it‘s seen. its enjoy ed. And I‘m really proud that we‘ve been able to wedge a huge foot in the door of this theatre environment. because it‘s important that we increase access to hip
school and new. \"intage acts which blaled a trail share the bill with young pups still wet behind the sneakers. Together. they celebrate all that‘s good about this athletic. feel-good and increasingly artistic artform. ()ne of the most anticipated acts this year is the Vll (iems Rock Dance Division. led by original Rock Steady (‘rew' member. Ken Swift. The group specialises in ‘rocking'. which pre—dates breaking and involves lots of top movement before going down to the floor.
'Ken is really committed to bringing rocking back.‘ says Jon/i. ‘and showing people that it's a significant movement in the narrative line of hip hop and urban dance.~ A b-boy since l978. when as a 12- year-old he would take to the streets of
I Manhattan. Swift is credited with the
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