Breakin' Convention 2022, Sadler's Wells

Sadler's Wells' annual international festival of all things hip-hop, Breakin' Convention, returns for its 19th year. And whereas last year's festival was seriously underpowered as a result of Covid-related travel restrictions, this year's promises to fire on all cylinders.

Happening over a full weekend throughout all of Sadler's Wells – that is, main stage, Lilian Baylis Studio and all the foyers – this year's Breakin' Convention has a full complement of international acts.

First on stage is France's Compagnie Niya, with its show Gueules Noires (pictured top). Choreographed by Rachid Hedli, the work pays tribute to the migrant workers of the Nord-Pas de Calais Mining Basin, including Hedli's own father. Set to original music by Romual Houziaux, Gueules Noirs retraces life in the mines through the dancers' razor-sharp breaking and popping skills. Very much one to look forward to.

France's dancer and choreographer Antoinette Gomis returns to Breakin' Convention with a new work, performing alongside four male dancers on both Saturday and Sunday.

Following the success of their 2020 collaborative film, Our Bodies Back, directed by Breakin' Convention founder and artistic director Jonzi D, US-based poet jessica Care moore, master of waacking Axelle ‘Ebony’ Munezero from Montreal, Canada, and Soweto Kinch, one of the UK’s finest jazz musicians, bring a brand-new live work to this year's festival.

For a sample of how hip-hop is blended with Latin influences, have a look at D1 Dance Company, direct from Peru; coming from the other direction is Convention debutant B-boy Mr Kris, from Prague. Also debuting at Sadler's Wells this year are Dutch dance crew Oxygen, whose show includes interesting optical effects.

All these acts will be on the Sadler's Wells stage, alongside UK acts: Amanda Pfekou, whose krumping number builds on her Cypriot heritage; festival stalwarts BigGang Dance Company, whose style blends hip-hop and commercial dancing; Take 1 Dance from Nottingham; and east London pioneers of Afro Dance industry in the UK, Homebros.

Special mention must be made of Botis Seva's Far from the Norm, who return to Sadler's Wells with a krump and contemporary piece featuring classical music. Based on past experience, their act should not be missed.

The smaller Lilian Baylis Studio offers a full schedule of performances; and throughout the foyers there will be a continuous flurry of activities, including live DJ sets from award-winning mixmasters, panel discussions, impromptu dance circles, graffiti art, plus dance workshops with artists.

For full details visit the Sadler's Wells website.