This year’s Breakin’ Convention will feature acts from across Europe [Paul Hampartsoumian]

OVER two decades since it started, the acclaimed Breakin’ Convention is returning to Sadler’s Wells as its creative director speaks to the Tribune about the changing nature of hip-hop.

The festival was first brought to Sadler’s Wells 22 years ago by creative director and founder Jonzi D who said that the reason for the show all those years ago was to bring what people did in nightclubs into a theatrical context.

The 55-year-old who lives in King’s Cross said: “Growing up there was always a divide between classical dance theatre and what you did in nightclubs – and what you do in nightclubs is so creative, energetic and artistic.

“I always believed that we should use this discipline in theatre.

“When I trained, hip-hop wasn’t taken seriously – back in the 80s it was definitely niche and wasn’t like the cultural phenomenon we’re seeing today. Today it has permeated every element of popular culture.

Jonzi D, founder and creative director [Paul Hampartsoumian]

“I pursued theatre because I noticed hip-hop changing in the early 90s with advent groups like N.W.A pushing this gangster idea and record companies being largely responsible for it because none of this stuff would get out there unless the backers were not 100 per cent behind it.

“So I don’t think it was an accident that the image of hip-hop became almost self-hating in nature. I remember when I got into theatre it was because I was disillusioned by the commercial presentation of hip-hop in the early 90s. Theatre was always a way of presenting more truth – it’s in a live environment, it’s in front of you and it’s alive.”

This year, the festival presents soloists and crews from London, France, Greece and the Netherlands.

Jonzi D added: “We have some incredible pieces this year, and I’d like to say hip-hop culture links everything together. The fact that we’re not doing dance that is focused on classical ballet or contemporary dance techniques – we’re the only festival that does that. So we’re already breaking the convention of what is normally seen as dance theatre.”

As for whether Jonzi D still breaks it down on the dancefloor? He said: “I don’t think I’ll ever stop dancing, but I don’t perform anymore. But you know, it all depends on who’s buying the drinks.”

• Breakin’ Convention is at Sadler’s Wells from May 2-5.