Glasgow to host national festival of hip hop dance theatre for the first time

Tramway presents the only Scottish stop of the internationally acclaimed hip hop theatre tour Breakin’ Convention.

Article Source: Glasgow Life
Last Updated: 11 March 2026 14:48

Image: Female Funk Fruition / Credit Martin Windebank, Graffiti - Skare

Curated and hosted by British hip hop theatre pioneer Jonzi D, the tour brings together world-class international crews with leading voices from Scotland’s thriving scene for a full-scale celebration of hip hop dance theatre.

Breakin’ Convention 2026 will take over Glasgow Life arts venue, Tramway, on Saturday 23 May, with tickets available now via www.tramway.org

Featuring Olivier Award-winning TRAPLORD, a groundbreaking fusion of movement and spoken word that interrogates masculinity, mental health and racial stereotypes. Created by prolific artist and choreographer Ivan Michael Blackstock, whose innovative body of work includes collaborations with artists such as Beyoncé as well as innovative solo performances, film and more.

Joining the tour lineup are Femme Fatale, a Los Angeles-based trio, who originally come from Korea, Mexico and France, renowned for their slick and timeless performances, stylish musicality with a feminine touch and razor-sharp moves.

As a group, Femme Fatale have performed for Cirque du Soleil, Red Bull and Marc Jacobs amongst others and have worked individually with artists and brands such as Madonna, Calvin Harris, Justin Bieber and Timberland. They have been featured on American TV shows So You Think You Can Dance and America’s Best Dance Crew. Femme Fatale’s appearances at Breakin’ Convention in London have been acclaimed by audiences and critics alike.

Completing the tour lineup are Bboys Redo and Samuka from ILL-Abilities, an all-star international collective of differently abled b-boys hailing from the Netherlands and Brazil. Perennially popular at Breakin’ Convention and refusing to accept any perceived limitations, they are renowned worldwide for their remarkable breaking skills and extraordinary physical feats, having generated headlines and packed-out venues since their early days.

Joining for the Glasgow date of the tour and representing the formidable talent and diversity of the Scottish hip hop community are Female Funk Fruition. Founded in 2023 by veteran hip hop powerhouse Shelltoe Mel and Nadia Sewnauth, their piece Aye Wonder is a vibrant celebration of women in hip hop culture, past and present. Rooted in funk styles and interwoven with spoken word, the work honours legacy while amplifying contemporary female voices in Scotland.

Shelltoe Mel of Female Funk Fruition said: “We’re over the moon for Female Funk Fruition to be representing Glasgow with our piece ‘Aye Wonder’. Breakin’ Convention has been a staple date in our diaries for many years at Sadler’s Wells and we are very grateful for the opportunity to be part of it.”

Heavy Smokers Krew (HSK) bring explosive breaking rooted in Scotland’s battle culture. Known for their dynamic floorwork and musical precision, the crew will present a specially adapted performance incorporating live drumming — intensifying the dialogue between rhythm and movement to champion breaking’s raw, cypher-born energy.

SK Dance presents Route, a hip hop theatre work exploring migration, cultural identity and belonging. The work reimagines history through contrasting physical vocabularies and shifting dynamics.

Rounding out the local contingent is Wishaw-born movement artist Corey Owens, a member of international touring companies Boy Blue and Far From The Norm. In an intimate solo, Owens brings his global experience back to a Scottish stage.

Corey Owens said: “What a privilege and honour it is to represent not just myself but Scotland’s community of hip hop artists on this iconic platform. I cannot wait to share a glimpse of this work and make my voice heard.”

Together, the line-up represents contemporary hip hop theatre at its best, combining bold, concept-driven work alongside virtuosic street dance foundations. While away from the stage, audiences can also enjoy Hip Hop Battles, Cyphers, DJ sets and workshops for a complete Breakin’ Convention takeover.

Jenny Crowe, Senior Manager at Tramway, said: “Bringing Breakin’ Convention to Glasgow for the first time is a huge moment for us. At Tramway, we’re committed to championing bold, contemporary performance and creating space for artists and communities to connect. This festival does exactly that, showcasing world-class international talent alongside outstanding local artists, and celebrating hip hop culture in all its energy and creativity. We’re proud to be the only Scottish stop on the 2026 tour and can’t wait to welcome audiences in May.”

Jonzi D, Artistic Director of Breakin’ Convention, said: “Our latest UK tour features new venues, award-winning conceptual work, an international popping trio and the most unique breakers in the world. We never stop breakin’ convention!”

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