A bit like Skateboarding, Hip Hop dance is one of those skills one wishes they had but can't seem to.... Well, if you fancy living the dream through the moves of the gifted, then this might be the place for you:

Breakin' Convention, the globally renowned UK festival of Hip Hop dance theatre, presented by Sadler's Wells, returns for its sixth run.

The five-day event (April 30th-May 4th) is hosted and curated by resident artistic director, Jonzi D, who again this year, calls onto a stellar line-up of international talents such as Ken Swift and his crew, VII Gems Rock Dance Division from the States, the 'Charlie Chaplin of Hip Hop', Salah, from France, and the Korean troupe Myosung, among other skillful practitioners, to showcase, perform and teach some of the many moves, styles, figures and trends in Hip Hop dance, as part of a touring series of performances, screenings, discussions and workshops. Which will resume in London tonight, with 'Future Elements', a showcase choreographed and performed by teenage hip hop disciples, from 7.30pm.Then, from tomorrow onwards, a program of cross-ranging-level workshops on BBoying, Locking, Popping, Rocking and Turntabling etc..., taught by the above-mentioned masters will run at Sadler's Wells until May 4th. (check http://www.breakinconvention.com/breakin-convention-2009/workshop-programme).

The main performances will see the Compagnie Revolution, Popping legend Mr Wiggles, and old skool Rocking from the VII Gems featuring Ken Swift, take to the stage on May 2nd, followed by Salah, MyoSung, and the first African company 'to represent', Compagnie Salama, on May 3rd; as well as duo Sebastien & Raphael, soloist B Boy supremo Junior, and the award winning company Flying Steps on May 4th.

Armed with the success of recent years, Breakin' Convention will then embark on a UK tour throughout the month of May, via the cities of High Wycombe (May 5th & 6th), Nottingham (May 8th and 9th), Birmingham (May 12th and 13th), Bradford on May 15th, Edinburgh (May 18th and 19th), Plymouth (May 22nd and 23rd), Newcastle (May 27th and 28th) and Salford (May 30th), with headlining acts Ken Swift, Salah and Myosung performing alongside local talent.

The Bradford event will be launched with a free showcase at Centenary Square (under the big screen), featuring Bradford's Vogue Dance Group, Kinetic Movement, Mime Crisis, Vogue Dance Juniors, Xplosion and Fitness First Team along with Optimum Limit from Wakefield and music from Waxworks Music Initiative.

Tickets for the London leg are on sale now, with single-day passes at £20.00 (conc. £12.00), two-day passes at £32.00 (conc. £18.00), and three-day passes at £48.00 (conc. £27.00), granting access to all performances and showcases except for workshops, which cost £8.00 for Hip Hop Kids workshops (targeted at 6-to 10 year olds), £14.00 for general 1.5 hour workshops and £18.00 for 2-hour ones (including the Bronx Social Dance Party on May 3rd).

Please note that Saturday and Sunday passes have now sold out and only returns may be still available (check with Sadler's Well's box office).

Tickets for the Breakin' Convention national tour are currently on sale, ranging from £7.00 to £20.00, depending on the venue.

Solange Moffi