Breakin’ Convention, the groundbreaking festival of hip hop dance theatre, will once again visit the
Royal Concert Hall Nottingham on
Friday 15 and Saturday 16 May on
its 2026 UK tour.
With local crews and artists performing alongside prestigious international headline acts selected by Breakin’ Convention Artistic Director and Sadler’s Wells Associate Artist Jonzi D, each date will feature Jonzi as host MC while DJs, graffiti artists and freestyle sessions at each location total a complete Breakin’ Convention takeover.
Local acts will include special guest Jah Digga – a UK rapper and poet from Nottingham, known for his sharp lyricism and soulful storytelling. Blending hip-hop with spoken word, Jah brings raw authenticity and powerful messages to every song. There will also be incredible local talent from Take 1 Dance, Tozer Studios, Beatbots, Freedom Movement, Marshon Dance Company and J M E Dance Company.
Headline acts for Breakin’ Convention’s 2026 tour include the powerful Olivier Award-winning TRAPLORD, created by prolific artist and choreographer Ivan Blackstock whose innovative body of work includes collaborations with artists such as Beyoncé as well as solo performances, film and more. Exploring masculinity and mental health, TRAPLORD is an explosive fusion of movement and storytelling challenging racial stereotypes of Black men. The 2026 tour lineup also includes Los Angeles-based trio Femme Fatale who are of French, Mexican and Korean origin. Renowned for their slick and timeless performances, stylish musicality and razor-sharp moves, Femme Fatale’s appearances at Breakin’ Convention in recent years have been acclaimed by audiences and critics alike. Trailblazing collective ILL-Abilities, an all-star crew of differently abled b-boys hailing from the Netherlands & Brazil also tour the UK, returning to Breakin’ Convention by popular demand. Refusing to accept any perceived limitations, their remarkable skills have generated headlines and packed-out venues since their early days.
This extensive tour reaches towns and cities across the UK, from London to Glasgow, Blackpool to Brighton, Nottingham to Doncaster and beyond.
The tour immediately follows
Breakin’ Convention 2026, the world’s biggest festival of hip hop theatre taking over
Sadler’s Wells in London across the May bank holiday (Friday 1– Monday 4 May 2026). Throughout the weekend, audiences can experience a packed bill of performances, live DJs, dance workshops, graffiti, emcees and cyphers across the building at Angel. The festival opens with
Friction on
Friday 1 May, an opening night of battles and performances courtesy of hip hop theatre luminaries and special guests.
Since 2004, Breakin’ Convention, based at Sadler’s Wells Theatre in London and helmed by Jonzi D and Michelle Norton, has led the global hip hop dance theatre movement, showcasing leading artists and connecting communities through the power of dance, music, and storytelling. In addition to the annual Festival at Sadler’s Wells, Breakin’ Convention runs highly successful artist development programmes including Open Art Surgery and Back To The Lab. Breakin’ Convention has toured acts up and down the country, and internationally including to The Netherlands and the United States. Earlier this year, Academy Breakin’ Convention, which provides the UK’s first Level 3 Qualification specific to hip hop theatre officially opened at Sadler’s Wells East in Stratford. The two-year course teaches students aged 16-19 seven different elements of hip hop dance theatre including Popping, Breaking, Emceeing, Social Dance, DJing, Music Production and Graffiti.
Jonzi D, Artistic Director of Breakin’ Convention, said
“Our latest UK tour features new venues, award winning conceptual work, an international popping trio and the most unique breakers in the world. We never stop breakin’ convention!”
Local listings information:
Breakin’ Convention
Royal Concert Hall Nottingham
Friday 15 & Saturday 16 May 2026 at 7.30pm
Tickets from £11
Age Guidance 12+
Friday local line up: Take 1 Dance, Tozer Studios, Beat Bots plus special guest Jah Digga.
Saturday local line up: Freedom Movement, Marshon Dance Company, J M E Dance Company plus special guest Jah Digga.
Posted on 28 April 2026
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