A groundbreaking new chapter in hip hop and dance education begins as Academy Breakin’ Convention (ABC) officially opens its doors on Monday, 8 September, at Sadler’s Wells East in London’s Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park.
Offering the UK’s first free Level 3 Qualification in hip hop theatre, ABC is set to redefine professional pathways for young artists and entrepreneurs passionate about hip hop culture and the creative industries.
ABC’s launch marks an exciting milestone for Sadler’s Wells East, which opened in February 2025 as part of East Bank, London’s newest cultural and educational district. The academy, delivered in partnership with Big Creative Training, fills a critical gap in professional training for hip hop artists, providing a structured, accredited pathway for the next generation of talent.
Over the next two years, the inaugural cohort of up to 20 students, aged 16-19, will immerse themselves in the seven core elements of hip hop dance theatre: Popping, Breaking, Emceeing, Social Dance, DJing, Music Production, and Graffiti. Each year, an additional 20 students will join, creating a total of 40 students across the two-year course. Graduates will leave with a UAL Level 3 Diploma, equipped with the skills and knowledge to thrive in the creative industries.
Led by Acting Head Sam Francis, alongside Senior Lead Cyrus Armstrong and Co-Course Leaders Jean Saliah and Sarah Taylor, ABC boasts a faculty of world-class artists and educators with decades of industry experience. Specialists include:
- Leroy ‘FX’ Dias Dos Santos (Hip Hop Social Dance)
- Shawn ‘Plague’ and Lee Crowley ‘Reckless Lee’ (Popping)
- Jake ‘Woodzy’ Woods (Emceeing)
- Justina Bryce ‘Likkle Jay’ and Brand McDonald ‘Lil BM/BM Baby’ (Music Production)
- Raj Jadeja ‘Mr. Gizmo’ (DJing)
- Maxime Thabart (Graffiti)
Students will train intensively in both performance and production elements, developing foundational skills in Year 1 and producing a hip hop theatre production by the end of the year. Year 2 focuses on personal artistic journeys, preparing students for professional roles in the industry. A strong emphasis on self-development and wellbeing ensures students are not only skilled but also resilient and ready for life after ABC.
ABC students will have the unique opportunity to showcase their talents on some of the UK’s most prestigious stages. Final-year students will perform at the renowned Breakin’ Convention Festival at Sadler’s Wells and produce their own ABC Fest at Sadler’s Wells East before graduation. These performances will serve as a launchpad for their careers, offering invaluable exposure and experience.
Academy Breakin’ Convention is the brainchild of Jonzi D, Artistic Director of the acclaimed international hip hop theatre festival Breakin’ Convention. Since its inception in 2004, Breakin’ Convention has been a global leader in hip hop theatre, hosting artist development programs like Open Art Surgery and Back To The Lab and presenting world-class hip hop acts.
This October, Breakin’ Convention will bring Montreal-based company Tentacle Tribe to Sadler’s Wells East with their production PRISM (8-11 October). While in the UK, Tentacle Tribe will lead a workshop for ABC students, offering them a rare opportunity to learn from internationally acclaimed artists.
Applications are now open for the next cohort of students to join ABC in August 2026. Open Days will be held at Sadler’s Wells East on 8 November 2025 and 17 January 2026, with applications closing on 31 January 2026. Aspiring hip hop artists and creatives are encouraged to seize this opportunity to be part of a transformative educational experience.
With its innovative curriculum, world-class faculty, and commitment to nurturing the next generation of hip hop talent, Academy Breakin’ Convention is poised to become a powerhouse for dance and creative expression. As Jonzi D and his team continue to push the boundaries of hip hop theatre, ABC offers young artists a platform to learn, grow, and redefine what’s possible in the world of performance.