Apollo Theater to Present Breakin’ Convention International Festival of Hip-Hop Dance Theater
Featuring Celebrated French Dance Duo Les Twins And a New Work Developed at the Apollo by Acclaimed Choreographer Rennie Harris Hosted By Jonzi D and Co-host Grandmaster Caz
The Six-Day Festival to Include Dance Workshops, Interactive Dance Lounges, DJ Sessions, Live Graffiti, Panel Discussions, a Special Amateur Night Performance and More
October 13th -18th, 2015 (Harlem, NY – October 2015) – The Apollo Theater will kick off its 2015-2016 season with the return of Breakin’ Convention, an International Festival of Hip-Hop Dance Theater and a Sadler‘s Wells London project from October 13th – October 18th. Originally premiering at the Apollo in 2013, this year‘s Breakin‘ Convention will be the Theater‘s second presentation of the global festival and will take place over six days and feature hip- hop dance theater performances by 17 dance artists and companies from New York City, the U.S., and around the globe.
This year, popular French hip-hop dance duo Les Twins – comprised of twin brothers Larry and Laurent Bourgeois – will make their Apollo debut during Breakin’ Convention. Les Twins are known for their eclectic hip-hop style and having worked with some of music‘s biggest artists, including Beyonce, Jay Z and Missy Elliott. Also new to this year‘s Festival, is the inclusion of 100NAKEDLOCKS, an original work commissioned for Breakin’ Convention by the Apollo and created by acclaimed choreographer Rennie Harris in May 2015, as part of the Apollo‘s new works incubation program – the Apollo Salon Series. Rennie Harris Puremovement and the Brooklyn-based NL2 (formerly known as Next Level Squad), both standout participants in the Theater‘s first Breakin’ Convention, will perform the new piece inspired by the themes of futurism and sci-fi genre.
In addition to Les Twins and Rennie Harris Puremovement, other performers include: Klassic and Havoc, the Brooklyn based duo known for the reggae style FLEX’N; Antoinette Gomis, a leading dancer in the French street dance scene; Compagnie Phorm, a dance duo from France and Argentina who mixes contemporary dance with musicality; Legendary Twins, who are first generation b-boys from the birthplace of Hip Hop, the Bronx; and BirdGang Dance Company, a United Kingdom-based dance company.
Curated and hosted by Sadler's Wells Associate Artist Jonzi D and his co-host hip-hop legend and pioneer Grandmaster Caz, Breakin’ Convention is a celebration of hip-hop culture and its global impact, providing a platform to celebrate the Theater‘s hip-hop roots while highlighting the development of the culture around the world. The Festival reflects The Apollo Theater‘s dedication to advancing new contemporary forms of expression in across a range of artistic disciplines, and furthers the theater‘s role as a gathering place for the Harlem and New York community.
―The Apollo has always been about introducing Harlem and New York to current trends and to ‗what‘s next,‘ so we are pleased to be partnering with Sadler‘s Wells again to bring the world‘s foremost dance artists to New York so we can discover what‘s happening globally in this important genre,‖ said Mikki Shepard, the Apollo‘s executive producer. ―It is important to explore how this art form has evolved into a global phenomenon. These are some truly gifted performers, and not only will our audiences get to see some pretty amazing and astounding performances, but they‘ll be able to get into the spirit of the whole festival by participating in the workshops and getting their dance moves on.‖
The Apollo‘s Breakin Convention will also feature a variety of artistic, education and community events including a special Amateur Night at the Apollo performance, an Apollo Live Wire discussion and workshops led by pioneers in the hip-hop dance field. The six-day Festival will bring a mix of renowned performers from around the globe, DJ‘s spinning old school tunes and graffiti artists commissioned to create unique artwork. Additionally, the Festival will feature interactive dance lounges and other programs to take place on the Apollo‘s Mainstage, Soundstage and under the iconic marquee.
The Apollo Theater’s Full Schedule of Breakin’ Convention Festival Programming Includes:
Apollo Master Class: Hip-Hop Dance Theatre – Apollo Soundstage Tuesday, October 13, 2015 at 6:30 pm - 9:30 pm Breakin’ Convention Artistic Director Jonzi D. facilitates this intensive workshop for dancers and choreographers seeking to take a theatrical approach to hip-hop dance. The workshop will cover how to develop movement with character and structure.
Tickets are $30. Space is limited. Register at www.apolloeducation.org
Amateur Night at the Apollo –Apollo Mainstage Wednesday, October 14, 2015 at 7:30 pm This special Amateur Night will feature special guest artists Compagnie Phorm, a dance duo, made up of David Colas and Santiago Codon Gras, from France and Argentina who mixes contemporary dance with musicality.
Tickets are $25, $34, and $43. Groups & families (10 or more): $23, $31, and $43. Tickets are available at The Apollo Theater Box Office: (212) 531-5305, 253 West 125th Street, and Ticketmaster at 1-800-745-3000, www.ticketmaster.com. Tickets are on sale now.
Apollo Live Wire Hip-Hop Dance Theater: How We Get Down Now - Apollo Soundstage Thursday, October 15, 2015 at 6:30 pm Performing artists from around the world discuss how they integrate hip-hop choreography and theater in their work. Artists include Jonzi D., Antoinette Gomis, Ana “Rokafella” Garcia and Ukweli Roach. Moderated by Thomas DeFrantz
This event is free. RSVP at www.apolloeducation.org
Uptown Gets Down – Under the Apollo Marquee Friday, October 16, 2015 from 5 pm - 7:30 pm Saturday, October 17, 2015 from 5 pm - 7:30 pm Sunday, October 18, 2015 from 1 pm to 3 pm Breakin' Convention kicks off each day under the iconic Apollo marquee with DJ Jorge Fabel Pabon, live graffiti art by Xmental artists and special performances by The Bwreckfast Club, The Floatmasters and Dynamic Rockers.
This event is free.
Breakin’ Convention Cypher Lounge - Apollo Soundstage Friday, October 16, 2015 from 5 pm to 7:00 pm Saturday, October 17, 2015 from 5 pm to 7:00 pm Free hip hop dance lessons by the KR3TS Dance Company, founded by Bessie Award winning choreographer Violeta Galagarza, and a free graffiti workshop with Xmental artists. With DJ King James and host Ruperto Vanderpool.
This event is included with the Festival ticket or free.
Mainstage Performance – Apollo Mainstage Friday, October 16, 2015 at 7:30 pm Saturday, October 17, 2015 at 7:30 pm Program hosted by Jonzi D and co-host Grandmaster Caz With DJ Boogie Blind and DJ Precision Confirmed artists include: Les Twins (France), Rennie Harris Puremovement (Philadelphia/USA) & NL2 (Brooklyn/USA), BirdGang Dance Company (UK), Compagnie Phorm (France/Argentina), The Ruggeds (Holland), Tito Lockers from Soulsations! (New Jersey/US), Antoinette Gomis (France), Klassic and Havoc (Brooklyn/USA), Street Justice Crew (New York City/USA), Rep Your Style (New York City/USA) and Legendary Twins (Bronx/USA).
Tickets for Breakin’ Convention Mainstage Performances are $25 - $45. Apollo Advantage: $17.50 - $31.50. Tickets are available at The Apollo Theater Box Office: (212) 531-5305, 253 West 125th Street, and Ticketmaster at 1-800-745-3000, www.ticketmaster.com.
Breakin’ Convention Film Screening: Flex is Kings - Apollo Soundstage Co-presented by ImageNation Cinema Foundation Saturday, October 17, 2015 at 3pm Flex is Kings takes a look inside the world of street dancing known as ―Flexing.‖ Directors Michael Beach Nichols and Deidre Schoo take audiences on the journey of young Brooklyn based dancers all battling it out through a season of Battlefest - the central organizing event of the Flex movement. There will be a 15 minute Q&A to follow, moderated by Moikgantsi Kgama.
This event is free.
Breakin’ Convention Kids Dance Cypher Lounge - Apollo Soundstage Sunday, October 18, 2015 at 1 p.m. A lite hip hop dance demo for kids and their family by a Broadway Dance Center instructor as well as a free graffiti workshop. With DJ King James and host Ruperto Vanderpool
This event is included with the Family Showtime ticket. Adults must be accompanied by a child.
Breakin’ Convention Family Showtime Performance – Apollo Mainstage Sunday, October 18, 2015 at 3 pm Hosted by Mayhem Poets and Jonzi D This special presentation will feature excerpts from Breakin‘ Convention featuring Ahjani (USA), Street Justice Crew (New York City/US), Rennie Harris Puremovement (Philadelphia/USA) & NL2 (Brooklyn/USA) and The Ruggeds (Holland).
Tickets for Breakin’ Convention Family Showtime Performance are $20 - $40. Apollo Advantage: $17.50 - $31.50. Tickets are available at The Apollo Theater Box Office: (212) 531-5305, 253 West 125th Street, and Ticketmaster at 1-800-745-3000, www.ticketmaster.com.
Apollo Theater Information Box Office Hours: Mon, Tues, Thurs, Fri – 10:00 am - 6:00 pm Wednesday – 10:00 am - 8:30 pm Saturday – 12:00 pm - 6:00 pm
About the Apollo Theater The legendary Apollo Theater—the soul of American culture—plays a vital role in cultivating emerging talents and launching legends. Since its founding, the Apollo has served as a center of innovation and a creative catalyst for Harlem, the city of New York, and the world.
With music at its core, the Apollo‘s programming extends to dance, theater, performance art, spoken word initiatives, and more. This includes the October 2014 premiere and 2015 international tour of the dance celebration project - James Brown: Get on the Good Foot, the annual Africa Now! Festival, Apollo Club Harlem and the upcoming New York premiere of the opera Charlie Parker‘s YARDBIRD. The Apollo is a presenting organization that also produces festivals, large-scale dance and music works organized around a set of core initiatives: Apollo Music Signature Programs—Amateur Night, Salon Series, Apollo Music Café; Legacy Series - work that celebrates and extends the Apollo‘s legacy through a contemporary lens; Global Festivals including the Women of the World (WOW) Festival and Breakin’ Convention, international and U.S.-based artist presentations focused on a specific theme; and Special Projects, multidisciplinary work with partner organizations.
Since introducing the first Amateur Night contests in 1934, the Apollo Theater has served as a testing ground for new artists working across a variety of art forms, and has ushered in the emergence of many new musical genres—including jazz, swing, bebop, R&B, gospel, blues, soul, and hip-hop. Among the countless legendary performers who launched their careers at the Apollo are D‘Angelo, Lauryn Hill, Machine Gun Kelly, Miri Ben Ari, D‘Angelo, Ella Fitzgerald, Sarah Vaughan, Billie Holiday, James Brown, Michael Jackson, Gladys Knight, Luther Vandross, and Stevie Wonder; and the Apollo‘s forward-looking artistic vision continues to build on this legacy.
The Apollo Theater is a not-for-profit organization and currently in the midst of fundraising for its 21st Century Apollo Campaign, created to extend the institution‘s role in fostering artistic innovation and in building appreciation of American culture around the world. For more information, visit www.apollotheater.org.
About Sadler’s Wells Sadler's Wells is a world leader in contemporary dance, committed to producing, commissioning and presenting new works and to bringing the very best international and UK dance to London and worldwide audiences. Under the Artistic Directorship of Alistair Spalding the theatre‘s acclaimed year-round programme spans dance of every kind, from contemporary to flamenco, Bollywood to ballet, salsa to street dance and tango to tap. Since 2005 it has helped to bring over 90 new dance works to the stage and its international award-winning commissions and collaborative productions regularly tour internationally. Sadler‘s Wells supports 16 appointed world-class Associate Artists, three Resident Companies and an Associate Company and nurtures the next generation of talent through hosting the National Youth Dance Company, its Summer University programme, Wild Card initiative and its New Wave Associates.
Located in Islington in north London, the current theatre is the sixth to have stood on the site since it was first built by Richard Sadler in 1683. The venue has played an illustrious role in the history of theatre ever since, with The Royal Ballet, Birmingham Royal Ballet and English National Opera all having started at Sadler‘s Wells.
Sadler‘s Wells is an Arts Council National Portfolio Organisation and currently receives approximately 9% of its revenue from Arts Council England.
About Breakin’ Convention Breakin‘ Convention is committed to celebrating, elevating and supporting hip hop dance theatre. Spearheaded by Jonzi D, the company works with the most respected, innovative and inspirational hip hop artists in the industry. Through its eponymous world-renowned annual international festival, professional development, youth projects and educational programme, Breakin‘ Convention seeks to position hip hop dance alongside more historically established artforms. Breakin‘ Convention is a Sadler‘s Wells Project and Jonzi D, an Associate Artist is based at the theatre.
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Breakin Convention is sponsored by Citi.
Generous support for Rennie Harris’s 100NAKEDLOCKS is provided by the Reginald Van Lee New Works Fund and the Ford Foundation Fund for Global Programs.
Leadership support for Apollo Education programs from Ronald O. Perelman Family Foundation. Additional support from the Mitsubishi UFJ Foundation, Coca-Cola Foundation, Con Edison, Ella Fitzgerald Charitable Foundation, General Motors Foundation, Insperity, The Reginald F. Lewis Foundation, Pinkerton Foundation, the QBE Foundation and public funds from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the City Council.
The Apollo's 2015-2016 season is made possible by generous support from American Airlines, BNY Mellon, Citi, Coca-Cola, Troy and Keisha Dixon, EmblemHealth, Frederick Wildman, The Howard Gilman Foundation, Carla A. Harris, Robert K. Kraft, The Reginald F. Lewis Foundation, The Parsons Family Foundation, the Ronald O. Perelman Family Foundation, JoAnn Price, Earl W. and Amanda Stafford, Time Warner Inc., the Reginald Van Lee New Works Fund, the Apollo Board of Directors and many other generous donors.
Lead annual support is also provided by public funds from the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of Governor Andrew Cuomo and the New York State Legislature, the National Endowment for the Arts, and the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the City Council.
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For more information, please contact:
Nina Flowers Cynthia Tate Apollo Theater Foundation Apollo Theater Foundation 212-531-5334 212-531-5340 [email protected] [email protected]
Sarah Cirkiel Gladstone Pitch Control PR 212-475-4919 [email protected]