BC07 Getting Involved: Guidelines - Breakin' Convention

BREAKIN’ CONVENTION CHARLOTTE APPLICATION GUIDELINES Breakin' Convention is the global festival of hip hop dance theatre that presents theatrical dance by companies and crews from around the world and around the corner. Since 2004, Sadler's Wells Theatre in London has produced and presented this critically acclaimed festival which is curated and hosted by UK hip hop pioneer, Jonzi D. The over the past 14 years festival has seen hundreds of performances from hip hop legends such as The Electric Boogaloos (USA), Storm (Germany), Les Twins (France), The Ruggeds (Holland), Junior (France), Salah (France), Vagabond Crew (France), Project Soul (Korea). On October 13-14, 2017, Breakin' Convention returns to Blumenthal Performing Arts, Charlotte, N.C. for the third time! Below are guidelines of what we are looking for from artists. We will open submissions in June 2017 and auditions will be held on Wednesday, July 12, 2017 at Spirit Square in Uptown Charlotte.

GRAFF ARTISTS, DJ's and MC's and Hip Hop Musicians There will be opportunities for graffiti artists, DJ's and MC's and hip hop musicians to be involved as part of the festival programme - with foyer and outdoor events throughout the weekend. Please contact [email protected] to express your interest in being involved.

DANCE COMPANIES AND CREWS We are calling for submissions from local dance companies, crews and artists that fall within a 4 hour driving radius of the theatre. Breakin' Convention does not want to prescribe what you should create; we love the fact that companies continue to break the conventions of hip hop dance theatre. However, there are a few criteria that are essential for companies who want to be in the festival. We are interested in companies who:  Are using hip hop and funk style dance techniques in a different and exciting way  Have a vision for the future of hip hop dance theatre  Have a story to tell or a concept to explore  Are making a statement about life today – this may be political or social  Are able to create an atmosphere and take an audience to another world or state of mind (continued)

All of the companies who have performed at Breakin’ Convention festivals have been unique:  You don't need a huge company of dancers to make a powerful piece  You don't need a large set  Companies have told stories through their performance  Some companies have experimented with technology  Start with your idea and remain true to it. Dare to be different. We are interested in:  Your idea – is there a story line, theme or vision for the piece?  Whether you have performed it before or if it is new?  What music are you using – mixed/new commission/live (DJ, musicians, vocals, etc).  How many dancers and, if under 18, how old are they?  If you have performed as a group before, if so where? THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW WHEN YOU APPLY  Complete the application form between June 5 and June 18, 2017. The form can be found at www.breakinconvention.com.  Record footage of your work - ideally the piece you want to perform or if not, an example of your work. This will need to be uploaded.  The maximum duration for pieces is 6 minutes  Breakin' Convention will light your piece for you. Technical time will be limited for pieces that are programmed so keep your ideas as technically simple as possible (e.g. not too many lighting cues, or props / set, etc.)  Make a note of the audition dates below. We cannot accept applications if you are not able to audition at this time. DANCE AUDITION SCHEDULE Online submissions: Mon. June 5 – Sun. June 18, 2017 Notification of audition: By Mon. June 26 2017 Audition date: Wed. July 12, 2017 (4pm - 10pm) Festival dates: Fri. October 13 – Sat. October 14, 2017 Festival location: Knight Theater, Blumenthal Performing Arts, Charlotte, NC Breakin' Convention is happy to answer any questions you have so please email us at [email protected]