Founded by Jonzi D, Hip Hop dance festival Breakin’ Convention returns to the Theatre Royal and Concert Hall this month. Bringing together world-class artists such as Ivan Michael Blackstock – a visionary creative behind choreography for Beyoncé - and local voices from rapper and spoken word performer Jah Digga to Hyson Green’s Take1Dance studio, in a celebration of dance, music and storytelling. Ahead of what’s guaranteed to be a boundary pushing celebration of one of the most exciting art forms to watch, Jonzi D talks to us about challenging preconceptions about where Hip Hop belongs…
First question, just how excited are you to bring back Breakin’ Convention to Nottingham?
Very excited because Nottingham always kills it! Nottingham has been central to some of the developments of Hip Hop culture since the very beginning.
In our previous chats you’ve likened Breakin’ Convention to Notts’ Robin Hood philosophy – bringing Hip Hop into spaces traditionally reserved for the privileged. Does the idea still guide breaking convention today?
It has changed a little bit because the concept of peace, love, unity and having fun is something that I really want to subscribe to. So ultimately, my take is that the audience I expect are people who understand it, who love Hip Hop. This is an opportunity for you to come to a space like this and get real Hip Hop culture and values. But equally, it's important that the people who don't know about Hip Hop culture can attend the events – so they can demystify some of the negative imagery that we get in the media; I'd like to think that we're countering that.
I think one of the beautiful things about Breakin’ Convention is that we're trying to present a lot more varied perceptions of what Hip Hop can be
Talk to me more about challenging the understanding of how and where Hip Hop is displayed…
I think one of the beautiful things about Breakin’ Convention is that we're trying to present a lot more varied perceptions of what Hip Hop can be. I blame the systems that present this one dimensional image of what it is. I think events like Breakin’ Convention are able to show a lot more sides of what Hip Hop is, because it's not even like we’re presenting ‘the other side’. There are many sides…
How do you preserve Hip Hop's authenticity while presenting it on stages that weren't necessarily initially built for it?
Interesting… by asking that question you are already assuming that these stages aren't built for Hip Hop. I don’t think that’s the case. I think these places were built for dance, theatre, music; all of these things. Yes, they’ve been dominated by more classical art forms, but that’s not to say they weren’t built for what we are doing! I like to think we’re doing exactly what these spaces are built for…
What have you learned about Hip Hop by taking Breakin’ Convention beyond major cities?
I’ve definitely learnt that Hip Hop is everywhere! I almost see Hip Hop as a ‘gas’ – in whichever environment it can make its own space. I’ve been all over the country and there's always been people who’ve shared their passion for it.
Have you seen Breakin' Convention change people’s sense of possibility for the genre?
Most definitely, I think communities that have typically been dismissed as not necessarily being ‘real art’, these communities and artists have been able to discover their voice and revel in their own unique creativity here at Breakin’ Convention!
If your early years were about breaking conventions, and building a platform, what are the next years about?
I think that building a platform is a constant. Fundamentally Breakin’ Convention is a platform. I think we'll all continue developing our art, through our professional development work, for example, ‘Open Art Surgery’ and ‘Back To The Lab’. These schemes are designed to help people find ways to use Hip Hop in the theatre space.
What do you think of The Royal Concert Hall as a venue?
It’s absolutely spectacular! I really love The Royal Concert Hall. I think it’s beautiful. Of all the venues we come to, it’s one of the biggest! I’m so happy when we fill it out!
How do you feel Breakin’ Convention translates in such a classic old building? And considering Hip Hop grew outside of these institutions, does it leave you conscious of protecting its originality?
Good question. I think it suits it perfectly! Hip Hop is abou not losing its rawness or its cool. It’s like when people talk about ‘street dance’, I do worry about the way these terms create assumptions about the form. How can Hip Hop only exist on the streets? I’m questioning that narrative! I think when we associate Hip Hop with the ‘streets’ maybe it's become a word that's been used to suggest something about the social position in which Hip Hop exists; it speaks more to its socio-economic association. This is a high level of graphic art. I think in that sense, Hip Hop culture is pushing the boundaries and the potential of this. I want us to claim the universe!
Breakin’ Convention comes to the Royal concert Hall on Friday 15 - Saturday 16 May. Tickets start from £11 and are available on at trch.co.uk.
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