JDP was approached by Moscow-based Marka FF to discuss being involved in their annual Rozamira Festival. They were keen for Jonzi D to curate a world-class project using the best Hip Hop artists from around the world collaborating with Moscow artists. The result Hectic Dialectic was a very well received show that involved many artists from difference disciplines. Moscow had never seen anything quite like it!

Artists involved:
Jonzi D
Lianhart (UK)
Marso (UK)

Bolshoi Ballet Students (Russia)
DJ Meg (Russia)
Hete (Russia)
Ice Beat (Russia)
Irina Dolshenko (Russia)
MC Smetena (Russia)
Patrik K-h (Russia)
Tatiana Grindenko with Opus Posth Ensemble (Russia)
Vladmir Martynov (Russia)
Zventa Sventana (Russia)

Project Soul (South Korea)

Following the success of the previous summer’s project the BBC Blast team were keen to work with JDP again to deliver a Hip Hop dance project with them.

Bust-a-move was a competition on the BBC Blast website where young people were encouraged to upload a video clips of themselves dancing in any street style. The competition prize was the chance to be part of our touring show TAG…just writing my name. Following the closing date the hundreds of entries were whittled down to shortlist by L’il Tim and Banxy. Those winners were invited to come to the BBC Blast tour truck on the South Bank. There was an afternoon of workshops led by L’il Tim and members of Birdgang. After a final showdown, the winner was announced as Kirsty Murray.

As part of the prize Kirsty joined the company at it’s rehearsals at Sadler’s Wells Theatre and was part of the touring performance at the Bernie Grant Arts Centre on 13 October.

The whole project was filmed and was aired on BBC in December 2007 as part of a special edition of Blast, a creativity special. The programme was hosted by Naomi Koji-Patten, one of the crew that performed in Trafalgar Square during the previous summer’s project.

Photo: Marcel Jenkins and BBC Blast.

Originally, JDP was approached by the Blast team to deliver an afternoon of Breakin’ workshops. As the project developed Blast were keen for us to be able to perform as part of the Big Dance event in London’s Trafalgar Square. Leading the workshops were renowned bboys Banxy & Joey D and brilliant young London crew Birdgang.

During the afternoon, we were asked to talent-spot a small number of young people we felt showed real talent and asked them to be part of a performance the following day.

The Big Dance was a massive festival in a day and showcased every style of dance in an incredible performance event. Jonzi co-hosted a section of the show with the host Bruce Forsyth. It was broadcast live on BBC1 on 22 July 2006.

Photo: Marcel Jenkins.