Breakin' Convention, Glasgow review: ‘energy and charm'
This year’s Breakin’ Convention featured some remarkable dancing from professionals and amateurs alike, writes Kelly Apter
Egalitarianism has always sat at the heart of Breakin’ Convention. All are welcomed by the warm, open arms of artistic director and host, Jonzi D. That includes the audience, the professional hip hop artists cherrypicked from around the world, and local crews nurtured during their step-up to the big league.
The small Breakin’ Convention team puts a lot of effort into fostering an atmosphere of inclusion and support, and as the crowd whooped and hollered during a sold-out Tramway show, it was clear their hard work had paid off. There are no bells and whistles attached to this national tour, no time for big scene changes or fancy props. Instead all the artists, professional or otherwise, assume the responsibility of filling the stage with their passion and hard-won skill.
Representing the Scottish hip hop scene, Heavy Smokers brought their athletic floor movements, getting the party started with dynamic windmills and headspins. SK Dance used a melting pot of styles and cultures onto the dancefloor, exploring migration with energy and charm. Female Funk Fruition’s Aye Wonder challenged the hip hop scene’s male dominance with colourful abandon. And Corey Owens delivered a smooth, atmospheric solo that marked him out as one to watch.
Ivan Michael Blackstock’s Olivier Award-winning TRAPLORD (slightly stripped back in this touring version), was a dark, unflinching journey into black male stereotyping – violent, yet ultimately full of hope. But on a night that kept on giving, the mind-blowing technique of Los-Angeles-based popping and locking trio, Femme Fatale, and a duo from “differently-abled” breakdance crew Ill-Abilities raised the roof.
Celebrating their respective cultural heritages (France, Mexico, South Korea), Femme Fatale moved with a precision so sharp they almost cut the stage. And b-boys Redo and Samuka, despite absent or compromised limbs, delivered one of the most remarkable duets I’ve ever seen.
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