Just Jam 2011

For Just Jam 2011, Bad Taste Cru (BTC) promised a weekend of b-boy battles, Hip Hop theatre, workshops and parties, and boy did they deliver!

Jam and Juice is Bad Taste Crew’s very own Hip Hop theatre night and saw crews from across Europe, as well as local youth groups, step to the stage. Highlights included a slick, new jack inspired set from Breakin’ Convention’s Back To The Lab choreographer Ashley Jack (Jackin’ The Box) and Newcastle’s own all-girl crew Sana with their trademark sassiness.

But the showstopper rightly came from Bad Taste Cru. Aftermath sensitively addresses the Omagh bombing and its fallout. An issue close close to their hearts (BTC hail from Omagh) the piece resonated with the raw emotion the small town still feels from the atrocity. This Place Prize nominated performance is powerful whilst also displays a maturity that reflects the journey Hip Hop dance theatre has taken. It’s clear why Dance City recently made BTC an associate company.

Day two saw the action head to the more familiar setting of battles.  Bboys and bgirls went head to head and pitted the world’s finest against the UK. The eventual winner was T-Killa (Norway) and his display of character, foundations and originality captured the essence of breaking at its purest. BTC have managed to nurture an event where the camaraderie amongst bboys and bgirls is a priority, it represents a refreshing change to the testosterone fuelled atmosphere of many battles.

The day, however, was to belong to Ken Masters, one of Newcastle’s most respected emcees and Just Jam host. He topped off a perfect day, with an elaborate surprise marriage proposal in front of the audience.  For a moment there were tears in even the most stoney-faced b-boys’ eyes!

Breakin’ Convention wishes you all the best Kenny - who says there’s no romance in Hip Hop?!

Just Jam has definitely stamped itself in the Hip Hop dance calendar and is testimony to the relationship between Bad Taste Cru and Dance City.  Both have embraced each other and the results are impressive. A healthy Hip Hop dance scene is flourishing in Newcastle thanks to the open doors policy of Dance City - every day their foyer is taken over by Hip Hop dancers. Their investment in BTC, Just Jam and Hip Hop dance we salute.

Bad Taste Cru perform a double bill of Aftermath and Tribal Assembly at Dance City (Newcastle) on Saturday 3 December