Here’s some interesting news about hip – hop dance from the other side of the Atlantic. London just played host to Breakin’ Convention, an annual three day hip – hop dance theatre festival held at Sadler’s Wells. Every year, the event draws a huge and appreciative audience and this year was no different. The venue was packed to capacity and the crowd appeared to be having a whale of a time.

First held in 2004, Breakin’ Convention is now a popular annual feature of London’s cultural scene. The festival is not exclusive to London; it travels to other places in the UK as well.

Breakin’ Convention brings together well known international groups and local talent. At the London event this year, 24 companies from six nations displayed their skills. There were some mature compositions executed with considerable finesse.

The French dance group, Compagnie Revolution, known for its innovative treatment of hip – hop dance, presented Urban Ballet, a truly accomplished performance. The moves were hip – hop, the music mostly classical and the dancers combined fluidity and precision.

The Revolution Will Not be Supervised presented by MyoSung, a South Korean dance company, is a hilarious parody of military rule. The dancers had a message for the audience and they delivered it with remarkable skill and passion, winning the admiration of the crowd with their uninhibited moves and control over technique.

Another act that deserves mention is The Dream of Gluby, a fine solo performance from the French comic artiste Salah. His extraordinarily flexible physique is ideally suited to hip – hop and he regaled the crowd with his adroit and superbly timed moves and gestures.

Hip – hop on the whole has integrated several seemingly distinct styles over the years and evolved into a dynamic dance culture. From a style that was characterized primarily by breaking, it has now come to include many upright dance moves.

Breakin’ Convention not only showcases the ever evolving nature and vitality of hip – hop, it also demonstrates the sophisticated use of this dance form as parody. Dance companies from different countries come together on this platform to communicate local or universal messages in a fascinating display of talent, skill and sheer passion.

It’s not surprising then that Breakin’ Convention has become a much anticipated event on UK’s cultural calendar. After all, it’s not everyday that one has a chance to explore relevant issues, be treated to a dazzling display of dance moves and have a rollicking good time all under the same roof, simultaneously.