Breakin' Convention CLT by Blumenthal Performing Arts

, NCES A M FOR FITI R F E A P R D OF S, DJS, G HERS N E K E P YP A WE ORKSHO ND C A W

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breakin convention ‘15 PEACE ‘N’ LOVE EVERYONE! Wassup Charlotte! It’s an honor to present Breakin’ Convention at Blumenthal Performing Arts for the first time ever! Get ready to experience the inclusive spirit of hip hop culture. This movement that began in the poorest communities in the Bronx has become a worldwide social and artistic phenomenon. Breakin’ Convention unifies the elements that make hip hop – the DJ, the dance, graffiti art and the emcee – resulting in an explosion of energy and creativity around the building and within the proscenium arch. It shows the world how the rapid development of hip hop disciplines have redefined “high art.” The international festival of hip hop dance theatre has been changing the game since 2004. Since our inaugural festival at Sadler’s Wells Theatre in London, we have toured the U.K. five times, featuring over 5,000 dancers from over 20 countries around the world, and

around the corner! Our first international date in 2013 was at the World Famous Harlem Apollo, and now we are invading CLT! Our Blumenthal program includes a world champion b-boy crew from the Netherlands, a genre-defining ensemble from the U.K., a poetically emotive solo, and an intricately choreographed duet from France. We also feature dance crews representing the local Charlotte hip hop scene, and a special guest appearance from the Legendary Twins, the first Bronx b-boys ever to rock the floor! So are you tired of that fake “gangsta” rap? Do you want that original hip hop vibe of peace, love, unity and having fun? Well let’s start Breakin’ Convention!

Time

Place

5-7:15 PM

Former Goodyear Service Station Levine Avenue of the Arts

6-7:15 PM

Knight Theater Lower Lobby Knight Theater Upper Lobby

7:30-8:30 PM

Knight Theater Main Stage

8:30-9:15 PM

Levine Avenue of the Arts

Peace ...

Knight Theater Main Lobby

Jonzi D Artistic Director

Many thanks to Sprite for sponsoring Breakin Convention!

Knight Theater Main Lobby

Knight Theater Lower Lobby Knight Theater Upper Lobby 9:15-10:15 PM

Knight Theater Main Stage

KNIGHT THEATER Friday, Oct. 9

Saturday, Oct. 10

Activity

Graffiti Jam: Live aerosol art and the chance to try it yourself!

Live entertainment on the Obey Your Verse stage

Pre-show Activities in the Knight Theater Lobbies DJ Shogun: Listen to great music or join in the dance cypher

DJ Steel Wheel: Listen to great music or join in the dance cypher

Tiny Totrock Sessions: Kids – come and learn some moves!

Graffiti Zone: Learn to tag with a local graffiti artist

NC Dance District (USA) Reliablebrother #TwinNation (USA) Breakers for Life (USA) Compagnie Phorm (France/Argentina) BirdGang Dance Company (UK)

collectiveUth (USA) The Vongolas (USA) Queen City Bittys (USA) Compagnie Phorm (France/Argentina) BirdGang Dance Company (UK)

Intermission Activities Food Trucks: Several Queen City favorites to choose from!

Food Trucks: Several Queen City favorites to choose from!

DJ Shogun: Listen to great music or join in the dance cypher

DJ Steel Wheel: Listen to great music or join in the dance cypher

Tiny Totrock Sessions: Kids – come and learn some moves!

Graffiti Zone: Learn to tag with a local graffiti artist

Aquaboogy (USA) Street Kingdom (USA) Antoinette Gomis (France) The Ruggeds (Holland)

the Nouveau Sud project (USA) Aquaboogy (USA) Antoinette Gomis (France) The Ruggeds (Holland)

Lineup subject to change. All timings are approximate. Pre-show and intermission activities are free.

Stage Artists Antoinette Gomis (France) Images

Performer: Antoinette Gomis Choreography: Antoinette Gomis, Liz Gomis, Cyril Machenaud Lighting: Laurent Verite Using the words of a Waring Cuney poem sung by Nina Simone, Images deals with the lack of pride black women suffered throughout history. Historically having fought for equality and civil rights, a new wave of struggle appears today through TV, cinema and entertainment for the current generation: Hypersexualization, denial of natural beauties and a denial of what our SHEroes fought for. How do we value our female heritage? Dancer, choreographer, model and original member of the sassy Zamounda Crew, Antoinette Gomis is a leading dancer in the French street dance scene. After studying entertainment and art, she began a career as a dancer winning several street dance competitions and battles such as Funkin Stylez in Dusseldorf, Nike’s Bring Your Troupe and Soul Session in Sweden. Chosen by Puma to be part of their Puma The Quest campaign, her charisma led her to becoming Salah’s assistant for Cirque du Soleil as a dance captain. She continues to lead workshops and teach her style and techniques to people around the world.

Aquaboogy (USA) Against All Adversity

Performer: Aquaboogy Using popping and waving dance techniques, this dynamic solo is a testament to triumph over obstacles that enabled “Aquaboogy” to become the performer and person he is today. Otto (Aquaboogy) Vazquez is an internationally acclaimed performer with over 20 years experience as a professional dancer, instructor, and choreographer who honed his craft in Miami and New York. Some of his many credits include: Pitt Bull, Ne-Yo, Kanye West and i-Luminate from “America’s Got Talent.” He’s toured the world with the off-Broadway show: “Break, The Urban Funk Spectacular” from NYC and Cirque Du Soliel. Aquaboogy has learned from legendary “Soul Train” dancers Don Campbell and Fluky Luke (of the original Lockers), Skeeter Rabbit (RIP) of the Electric Boogaloos and many other pioneers of street dance.

BirdGang Dance Company (UK) Vice

Performers: Christopher Arias, Ivan Blackstock, Simeon Campbell-Crichlow, Rhiannon Duncan, Shannelle Fergus, Joseph Hunt, Kenji Matsunaga, Ukweli Roach, Chaldon Williams Choreography: Ukweli Roach Revolving around the inner struggle of addictions, Vice follows one man’s pursuit of an “ideal”; whether that be the type of person he wants to become, or the type of woman he wants to be with, and whether he can overcome his addictions to reach this ideal. A powerful piece of hip hop dance theatre from young British choreographer and performer, Ukweli Roach, one of the founding members of BirdGang Dance Company. A trained actor from the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts (RADA), Ukweli’s choreography, while being largely hip hop-based, borrows from disciplines such as tap, house dance, popping, breaking, contemporary and jazz, fusing them all into theatrical manifestations of whatever music he is dancing to.

Breakers for Life (USA) Soul Power

Performers: Cold Chris, Connie, Game Over, Gnome, Jazzy, Kid Hyper, Kid Kyle, Malik, N-Rock, Short Stack, Step Six, T-Money, T-wrex

collectiveUth (USA) cU Charlotteâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Friendly Feedback

Performers: Star Bess, Alexis Chapman, Mya Greene, Kianna Jasper, Alyssa Macomber, Danielle Marsicano, Naijha Nsehti, Jenna Petty, Solteria Ross

Compagnie Phorm (France/Argentina) Phorm

Performers: David Colas and Santiago Codon Gras Music: Jacques Laurent Benech

Crew leader, Tron Robinson, has been working with youth b-boys in the Charlotte area for several years. The boys rehearse weekly at Kadi Fit and Fuzion Force Dance Academy. Many of the boys have begun competing in local and regional kid b-boy battles and are constantly working on improving their b-boy skills.

Founded in the summer of 2011, collectiveUthâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s mission is to inspire, motivate, create, and educate young dancers through encouragement! CollectiveUth encourages and provides opportunities for young people to do what they love in a positive, nurturing environment. The group works closely with industry professionals to showcase emerging talent and promote unity and support for one another.

A cellular division splits the structure of two complex organisms that grow, conflict, and tear themselves apart as they attempt to assert control over one another. Apart, they are weak and must work together in order to evolve and grow. Compagnie Phorm is a duo made up of David Colas and Santiago Codon Gras. Colas is recognized by his peers as a judge, dance teacher and international breaker. He has developed a unique style with particular attention to the subtle gestures and musicality. Codon Gras is from Argentina and brings diverse contemporary dance.

Stage Artists Queen City Bittys (USA) The Illusion of Duality

Performers: Dragonmuffin, Lil’ Chaos, Naomi Ksor, Lilypad, Zero The Queen City Bittys is a Charlotte-based crew of female dancers who are trained in all styles of dance. They have danced together in cyphers and battles over the past few years and have now created the first b-girl crew in North Carolina. The Illusion of Duality highlights the female perspective in a male dominated dance scene.

NC Dance District (USA) Seven Deadly Sins

Performers: Simone Alston, Melissa Avery, Carsyn Bolin, Jasmine Bunn, Jerod Fewell, Roc Fewell, A.J. Glasco, Courtney Jant, MaryBeth King, Katie Lindo, Micaela Phipps, Ana Ogbueze, Devin Rickus, Tre Robinson, Kristen Schalk, D.A. White, Lisa Wright An internal struggle with temptation – would you be strong enough to overcome the Seven Deadly Sins? NC Dance District is a dance collective originating in Charlotte and is a hub for nurturing undiscovered talent in the area.

The Nouveau Sud Project (USA) Static

Performers: Imani Chew, Adamma Haith, Ember, Brandon Lomax, Maf Maddix, Elijah Morrison, Mark Robertson, Jarrell Wallace Directed by: Carlos Cruz We all struggle to find our individuality and express our complex selves, but society seeks to keep us in stasis. This piece explores the narrative of breaking free from unseen bonds to become free through sound and movement. The music and dance will tell the story of individuals fighting against all opposition in an attempt to transform themselves from static to vibrant. Static is about the 360-degree individual that we all hope to attain in our lives – free from the confines of trend and paradigm to express our full selves. This story will be told through the blend between hip hop theatre and the circus/ acrobatic world, exploring as the centerpiece the circus disciplines of simple wheel and the dance trapeze. The company – Nouveau Sud, Nouveau Cirque – springs primarily from the “underground” dance/acrobatic/physical theater scenes that thrive within the diverse cultural neighborhoods and communities in and around Charlotte. Through physical language – dance, movement traditions and circus arts – these communities tell stories of their struggles, histories, traditions, transformations, and iconography.

Reliablebrother #TwinNation (USA) Michael vs Chris

Performers: Wone andTae Reliablebrother are identical twin brothers from Charlotte. They started dancing when they were 2 years old. Wone and Tae have participated in several dance battles and appeared in local music videos. Performing a piece to two distinct music artists – Michael Jackson and Chris Brown – this young duo from Charlotte demonstrate the differences between identical twins.

The Ruggeds (Netherlands) Adrenaline

Performers: Duzk, Jazzy Gypz, Niek Traa, Roy, Squarez, Stepper, Skychief, Tawfiq

Street Kingdom (USA) The Bang Bang

Performers: Tight Eyez, Bdash, Hurricane, Konkrete, Spartan

The Vongolas (USA) The Prison Playground

Performers: De’Andre Bright, Dejarius Bright, Thomas Grady, Mark Robertson, Tron Robinson, Michael Tavera

Adrenaline is what pushes you into uncharted territory. Its drive is so strong that it allows you to push the limit of what’s physically and technically possible. It’s the energy from the drums to the breakbeat rhythms making your soul anxious to move. This piece is an exploration of our relationship with adrenaline, filled with acrobatics, risks, music and energy. Fresh, inventive and full of powerful flava, originally known as Rugged Solutions, this eight strong crew from Eindhoven is a solid name in the b-boy game. Winners of numerous battles from all over the world, the group is the current world champion, winning the BBoy Championships in 2014. The crew comprises some of the Netherlands’ best b-boys and is well-known for its members’ different styles and influences.

Street Kingdom is group of dancers from Los Angeles specializing in the style of Krump. Led by the creator of the style Tight Eyez, these dancers constantly work to stay at the top of their art and are the kings of this street dance. Having experienced rough inner city life in Los Angeles, dance became an outlet and they discovered their passion for Krump, a highly energetic style characterized by free, expressive and explosive movements. They succeeded in “America’s Best Dance Crew,” competing in Season 6 of the MTV reality competition series. Since the show, the crew as a whole has done music videos, all-style battles, and guest performed at events like World of Dance, Choreographers Carnival Ball and at Breakin’ Convention, London 2014.

The Vongolas is a freestyle street dancing crew. The crew is based out of Charlotte and represents a large portion of the Charlotte b-boy community. The members have been dancing and competing against each other and other local crews in battles for five years. The Vongolas members are very excited for the opportunity to come together as a crew to create this piece for Breakin’ Convention.

The Hosts

Bluz From humble Southern beginnings, Bluz has risen through the ranks of spoken word entertainment. He is the slam master and coach of SlamCharlotte, a competitive team of poets whom he led to back-toback National Poetry Slam victories in 2007 and 2008.

JONZI D

Jonzi D is the founder and artistic director of Jonzi D Projects and Breakin’ Convention. A dancer, spoken word artist and director, he is the foremost advocate for hip hop theatre who has changed the profile and influenced the development of the U.K. British hip hop dance and theatre scene over the last two decades. He has been actively involved in British hip-hop culture, rapping and b-boying since its genesis. Since graduating from the London Contemporary Dance School, Jonzi has created many works, which include Lyrikal Fearta (1995) and Aeroplane Man (1999). Jonzi D Productions was an Associate Company of Sadler’s Wells from 2004-2010, through which Jonzi devised and directed TAG ... just writing my name in 2006, IVAN in 2006 and Markus the Sadist, a rap theatre piece in 2009. In 2013, Jonzi created The Letter, a critically acclaimed solo responding to receiving a nomination for an MBE award in 2011, and Broken Lineage, in collaboration with Ivan Blackstock. Since 2004, Jonzi D has been artistic director for Breakin’ Convention and has triumphed in raising the profile and giving a platform to hip hop disciplines. The program has gained worldwide recognition as being at the vanguard of the development of the art form. Through professional development projects Open Art Surgery and Back to the Lab, Jonzi has supported hundreds of hip hop dance and rap/poetry artists on their journey to creating theatre. Jonzi is a leading British artistic ambassador, touring internationally. In 2015, he was featured on TedEX Warwick and now regularly speaks at European Commission forums on creativity and diversity. Jonzi TV credits include “Def Poetry Jam” (HBO); “Faking It” (Channel 4); short films Silence da bitchin and Aeroplane Man (Channel 4); creative consultant on LWT’s “South Bank Show” special documenting the art and culture of hip hop; One Man Walking (Channel 4); and presenting “4Dance” (Channel 4).

An active member in the community, Bluz has worked on several projects with organizations such Junior Achievement, Charlotte Chamber of Commerce, Blumenthal Performing Arts, Wachovia, Bank of America, CBS Radio, Radio Disney, ESPN, SPEED TV, BET, and NASCAR where he wrote and performed several intros for the Nationally televised showed “NASCAR: Today,” for which he won an Emmy. Bluz has shared the stage with several distinguished poets from Taylor Mali to Nikki Giovanni, and he has opened for many national recording artists such as Outkast, Amel Larrieux, Yung Jeezy, Little Brother, Pink Floyd, Last Poets, D’Angelo, John Legend, Soulganic, Del La Sol, KRS ONE and more. He is the author of a book of poetry, “Articulate Slang”; has released three CDs and has most recently released his hit single “US BE” through Universal Music Group. Bluz remains a visionary in the art of spoken word and slam poetry. His relentless pursuit to reinvent himself and the art form keep him in the upper echelon of poetry.

Graffiti Artists Be sure to check out the awesome columns in the Knight Theater that were painted by these local graffiti artists: DeNeer Davis Ivan Aku Andujar Joe Dobson John Hairston Marcus Kiser

Matt Hooker Matt Moore Miss Lotus Rebus Strife

Breakin’ Convention DJs DJ Justice and Aking DJ LeBron DJ Mix Masta Mo

DJ Nervex DJ Shogun DJ Steel Wheel

The Legendary Twins (USA) will make a special appearance onstage each night with Jonzi! Keith and Kevin Smith, The Legendary Twins, were born and raised in the Bronx, New York, the birthplace of hip hop and home of The Bronx Bombers (New York Yankees).

In 1999, The Twins were recognized and honored along with several hip hop pioneers by the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and participated in Roots, Rhymes and Rage – The Hip Hop Story Exhibit, The Freshest Kids.

The Twins are first generation b-boys and are credited as the first dance crew to go down to the floor with footwork and vertical moves back in the ‘70s.

For over 30 years, The Twins have worked within their community by coaching AAU (Amateur Athletic Union) basketball, where they were instrumental in producing several of the nation’s top high school ballers, NCAA (National Collegiate Athletic Association) National Champions, along with former and current NBA (National Basketball Association) players. Currently, Keith is in his 26th year at one of the nation’s premiere real estate firms, while Kevin has been comfortably retired since 1998. The Twins’ contribution as the founding fathers of b-boys was recently celebrated with an induction into the prestigious Hip Hop Hall of Fame on May 19, 2014.

For Breakin’ Convention Artistic Director: Jonzi D Tour Manager: Emma Ponsford General Manager: Peter Maniam Program Manager: Michelle Norton Digital Communications Officer: Dave Barros Marketing Manager: Lucy White

Press: Jolene Dyke Logo Design: Ben Wachenje Production Manager: Christian Wallace Lighting Designer: Antony Hateley Deputy Stage Manager: Marius Arnold-Clarke Sound and Video Technician: Martin Goodman Thanks to all the staff at Blumenthal Performing Arts!

Street Jam at Spirit Square

Saturday, Oct. 10

Outside Activities

Inside Activities and Workshops

Graffiti Jam 11:30 AM

Healthy Eating for Families

NOON

DJ Workshop

1:30 PM

Spoken Word Interactive Performance and Workshop

2 PM

Beatboxing and Popping Workshop

3 PM

Fashion Freestyle Fashion Show

Dance Cyphers and Instruction Sessions

Dance Workshops Drum Circle

Workout Area Breakin’ Convention dance workshops with international artists feature some of the world’s best dancers. These workshops are $10 each and take place in Dance Studio C on the second level of Spirit Square. These workshops are firstcome, first-served, so be sure to arrive early!

Join W.A.R. 4 Health in the workout area. Fun contests will be held throughout the day! W.A.R. 4 Health’s mission is to promote a healthy lifestyle among the ranks of people and create a culture of good physical and mental wellness in our communities through better nutrition, hydration and taking fitness back to the basics of calisthenics. They work out several times a week in Freedom Park. Everyone is encouraged to attend these free workouts!

And much more ...

10:30 AM

Waacking With Antoinette Gomis

12:30 PM

Breaking: Master Level With The Ruggeds

2:30 PM

Breaking: Beginner Level With The Ruggeds

Workshop Descriptions

Healthy Eating for Families – Chef Cat Join Chef Cat as he teaches you several easy recipes to help keep your family healthy and strong. You won’t believe how tasty eating healthy can be! Beatboxing and Popping Workshop – Africano Led by Charlotte-native, Africano, this workshop will give you the opportunity to learn some new and fundamental beatboxing techniques. Africano is also a professional dancer, so don’t be surprised if you leave this workshop with some new popping skills as well!

DJ Workshop – With These Handz DJ Academy Ever wonder what it takes to be a DJ? Stop in for a hands-on experience and learn the art and science behind being a DJ. With These Handz DJ Academy is a school for creative education through music. Its mission is to teach, inspire, and enhance the lives of individuals through engaging experiences. The academy is located in the NoDa area of Charlotte.

Spoken Word Interactive Performance and Workshop – Terry Creech Come hear some of the Charlotte area’s top poets and learn what it takes to create and perform your own spoken word piece. In this workshop, you will be introduced to the initial ideas and practices of performance poetry, creating imagery in your writing, controlling audiences and turning words into living art. Fashion Freestyle – Fashion Show produced by Lisa D. and Bridgette Williams This fashion show will feature clothing from four local hip hop/urban wear designers, music performances by local hip hop artists, and an opening dance number that is not to be missed!

Designers for Fashion Show Peek A Boo Couture DaniLi Apparel Social Status House of Raggedy Anne presented by dupp&swat