Hip Hop Dance Theatre Festival BREAKIN' CONVENTION Coming to DCPA This Fall

Denver Center for the Performing Arts presents Sadler's Wells' critically acclaimed international hip hop dance theatre festival, BREAKIN' CONVENTION, November 4-5 with a special student matinee on Friday, November 3 at 11 a.m at The Buell Theatre and around the Denver Performing Arts Complex. BREAKIN' CONVENTION is included as a signature event to kick off Denver Arts Week. Tickets are on sale now at denvercenter.org.

BREAKIN' CONVENTION is the world's largest festival of hip hop dance theatre showcasing the very best from around the world and around the corner. Curated and hosted by UK hip hop pioneer Jonzi D, this is an awe inspiring weekend of exceptional performances from world champion b-boy crews to cutting edge street dance companies - live on stage. Spilling off stage and taking over the whole building, dance workshops, graffiti, DJs, and freestyle sessions make BREAKIN' CONVENTION an unforgettable experience for all the family. Jonzi D is the founder and Artistic Director of Jonzi D Projects and BREAKIN' CONVENTION. A dancer, spoken word artist and director, he is the foremost advocate for hip hop who has changed the profile and influenced the development of the UK British hip hop dance and theatre scene over the last two decades.

BREAKIN' CONVENTION includes four international companies*:

Yeah Yellow (France) - An explosive b-boy crew from France, YY brings agility, creativity and invention to the BC stage. Bodies create orifices to dive through, and reform physical shapes with muscular alchemy. Recently performed at BOTY16.

Protocol (UK) - Lanre Malouda directs as well as performs in this duet that explores racial dynamics. Popping and tutting techniques, as well as text and physical theatre is used to present ideas that reflect the tensions in our community today.

Salah (France) - A living legend in the world of hip hop dance, Salah returns to the BREAKIN' CONVENTION stage after an eight year hiatus. This consummate performer is a master popper, locker, b-boy, clown and all round entertainer. Known for his amazing battle abilities, Salah will present his theatre piece, The Sickness.

Soweto Skeleton Movers (South Africa) - From the most notorious township on the African continent comes the Soweto Skeleton Movers. The audience highlight of BREAKIN' CONVENTION 2016 returns with a brand new show. Experts in a particular form of pantsula dance developed by Skeleton Mover pioneer Jabulani, the crew use comedic contortionism, frenetic footwork, and magical hat tricks that astound and amaze.

BREAKIN' CONVENTION includes local artist auditions: Dancers, Graff Writers, DJ's, Emcees, Rappers or Beatboxers, are invited to audition Thursday, July 6from 4-10 p.m. at the Robert and Judi Newman Center for Theatre Education. Audition submission forms are accepted from June 5-18. Visit denvercenter.org/BreakinConvention for more information.

Please be advised that the Denver Center for the Performing Arts - denvercenter.org - is the ONLY authorized ticket provider for BREAKIN' CONVENTION in Denver. Ticket buyers who purchase tickets from a ticket broker or any third party should be aware that DCPA is unable to reprint or replace lost or stolen tickets and is unable to contact patrons with information regarding time changes or other pertinent updates regarding the performance.

The Denver Center for the Performing Arts (DCPA) is the largest non-profit theatre organization in the nation, presenting Broadway tours and producing theatre, cabaret, musicals, and innovative, multimedia plays. Last season the DCPA engaged with more than 1.2 million visitors, generating a $150 million economic impact in ticket sales alone. Follow the DCPA on social media @DenverCenter and through the Denver Center for the Performing Arts News Center.

*International companies subject to change

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