BREAKIN' CONVENTION: Get involved in an International Festival of Hip Hop Dance Theatre

Calling all b-boys, hip hoppers, and street dancers! Breakin' Convention is an annual convention of all things hip hop that began in 2004. The festival showcases dance companies and artists from around the world, giving a passionate audience the unique opportunity to witness the incredible diversity of Hip Hop Dance Theatre. There is also a focus on education, with a comprehensive workshop programme led by artists from around the world; graff commissions; graff jams; DJ demos and freestyling; film screenings and lecture demonstrations. From 22 - 23 May 2009, every corner of the Theatre Royal in Plymouth will be taken over by graff artists, DJs, MCs, freestylers, and break dancers.

Three top international hip hop acts will also perform at The Theatre Royal as part of the festival, which tours round a select few venues in the UK, Plymouth being the only city in the South West of the UK where the tour stops. Acts on the tour include VII Gems Rock Dance Division which will feature an exclusive UK performance from "the epitome of the b-boy" and hip hop dance pioneer Ken Swift. French artist Salah brings his crowd-pleasing mix of hip hop dance, mime and clowning to the stage too, and b-boy crew Myosung come all the way from South Korea (the best b-boying nation in the world) to take part.

As well as being a super hip event showcasing all this international talent, there's also a chance for local people to get involved, and submissions are now open for local and regional acts to perform on the Theatre Royal Stage! If you think you have something interesting to say through your work then you could be performing at Breakin' Convention. If you use hip hop or funk style dance techniques in exciting new ways, then get in touch with the team and you could be taking to the stage as part of the festival. If you're a young person just starting out or you're a seasoned professional, the organisers want to hear from you!

To get involved, download an application form at www.breakinconvention.com or call 020 7841 0304 for more info.

SUBMISSIONS MUST BE RECEIVED BY 31 JAN 2009. Keep checking www.breakinconvention.com for updates.

See http://www.theatreroyal.com/content.asp?CategoryID=968 for more on the event.