Apply for Breakin’ Convention 2026
London Festival
Applications close: Monday 8 December 2025
Outcome received: Friday 19 December 2025
Auditions (for UK companies only):
Monday 2 February 2026 - Sadler’s Wells Theatre, Angel
2026 Dates
Family Jam: Saturday April 26 2026,
Festival: Friday 1 May- Monday 4 May 2026
Fuel your soul with Breakin’ Convention, the world's biggest festival of hip hop dance theatre. Hosted and curated by Jonzi D, the festival features the freshest works from your favourite artists.
Watch the 2025 Official Recap Below
What is Breakin’ Convention’s International Festival of Hip Hop Dance Theatre?
Breakin' Convention is the award-winning and critically acclaimed powerhouse behind a hip hop theatre revolution. Working with the most respected, innovative and inspirational artists, Breakin' Convention is at the vanguard of the global development of the hip hop theatre genre, through its world-renowned festivals, international touring, professional development, youth projects and educational programme.
Breakin’ Convention Festival has represented the origins and evolution of hip hop culture from ‘around the world and around the corner’ for 20+ years. Hip hop sprang from urban pressures, not only as a showcase of joyful ingenuity and innovation but also as a powerful response to social and economic injustice in disregarded neighbourhoods.
GUIDELINES
Breakin' Convention does not want to prescribe what you should create; we love the fact that companies continue to break the conventions of hip hop dance theatre.
However, there are a few things that are really important for companies who want to be in the festival.
PLEASE NOTE: We must see the piece you wish to perform at the festival. Although work may not be polished by the auditions, you must show what you have created so far as we cannot programme a show we have not seen.
We are interested in companies who do any of the following:
Demonstrate pure hip hop and street dance techniques to the highest level
Are using hip hop and street dance techniques in a different and exciting way
Have a story to tell or a concept to explore
Are making a statement – this might be political or social
Are able to create an atmosphere and take an audience to another world or state of mind
Have a vision for the future of hip hop dance theatre
Before filling out an application form, think about:
Your idea – is there a story line, theme or vision for the piece?
Is it a new piece, or has your piece been performed before?
What music you are using – chart music/mixed/new commission/live (DJ, musicians, vocals).
How many dancers are performing and their age range? (If you know)
Making sure you have footage of your company performing
UK Applicants
The Expression of Interest form is split into three sections:
1) Read the Guidelines - so we can consider your submission
2) About You - so we can respond to your application
3) Your Work - where we ask about your practice and the idea you are submitting
4) Equal Opportunities – so we can keep ourselves in check
Applications close: Monday 8 December 2025
Outcome received: Friday 19 December 2025
Auditions (for UK companies only): Monday 2 February 2026, in London
If you have any questions about this form, please email info@breakinconvention.com
Breakin’ Convention has hosted some of the most unique and original acts.
At every Breakin’ Convention there is a mix of established artists and breakthrough talent making their debut. Don't rule yourself out.
You can create a powerful piece with a solo dancer as well as a large group
Boy Blue Entertainment specialise in presenting large ensemble groups with immaculate timing. Choreographer Kenrick Sandy has also performed a captivating solo on our huge Sadlers Wells mainstage.
You can present an abstract concept, a showcase or a short story.
Sons of Wind focus on the ‘bounce’ in a hip hop dance piece of the same name. No clear narrative, but they explored a loose, viral movement quality as dancers find, and then break out of unison
Ivan Michael Blackstock uses grime, spoken word and physical theatre in his vivid narrative piece TRAPLORD
You can use set, props or projection
BirdGang are famous for using masks, creative costuming, and even magic in their performances at BC over the years. The piece ‘Vice’ featured a simple table and chair, vape pens and props that were used to great effect.
International Applicants
The Expression of Interest form is split into three sections:
1) Read the Guidelines - so we can consider your submission
2) About You - so we can respond to your application
3) Your Work - where we ask about your practice and the idea you are submitting
4) Equal Opportunities – so we can keep ourselves in check
Applications close: Monday 8 December 2025
Outcome received: Friday 19 December 2025
If you have any questions about this form, please email info@breakinconvention.com