Breakin' the Mold
Chicago footwork hip-hops across the pond
Footwork, Chicago's latest dance craze and juke influenced sound, is breakin' onto the London scene with a fancy footwork tour.
Promoted by Planet Mu Records, who've been giving an outlet to footwork artists such as DJ Rashad, DJ Spinn and Chrissy Murderbot, the tour kicks off at the end of April and bring prominent DJs and dancers from the Chicago footwork scene to small venues throughout the UK.
One frantically-jerking leg of the tour is the eighth annual Breakin Convention at Sadlers Wells on 30th April. Big Breakin' names on the Chicago scene, DJ Manny, AG, and Litebulb, will be performing. Describing itself as an international hip-hop festival, the Breakin Convention is hosted by passionate Brit-hop advocate Jonzi D.
On 2nd May Breakin' return with the Chicago guests on a panel.
In the tradition of breakdancing, small spaces allow a crowd to gather to allow b-boys to take turns showing off their moves and challenging each other. Check out a real juke battle in the video below.
Also watch more footwork in Chrissy Murderbot's new Planet Mu single 'Bussin Down' featuring DJ Spinn.
21/04/2011 Brighton, Jam
28/04/2011 Leeds, The Wardrobe
29/04/2011 London, The Big Chill Bar – Chrissy Murderbot album launch
29/04/2011 London, Village Underground
30/04/2011 London, Sadler Wells (Dancers Only as part of the 8th annual Breakin Convention)
07/05/2011 London, Corsica Studios (as Part of the Planet Mu Party featuring Solar Bears, Boxcutter, Heterotic, Rudi Zygadlo and Tropics, Oriol and Planet Mu DJ’s)
13/05/2011 Camber Sands, Butlins, Bangface Weekender
14/05/2011 Manchester, Deaf Institute
Words: Maura McGowan