Jonzi D: Breakin Class Convention (Dancing Class)

Jonzi D: Breakin Class Convention (Dancing Class)

From Beckett Talks by Leeds Beckett University

March 19, 2026 · 1h 33m · Season 3 · Episode 9

About this episode

Jonzi D discusses his journey in hip hop and contemporary dance, exploring themes of identity and cultural barriers.

In this episode of Dancing Class, pioneering hip hop artist Jonzi D shares how growing up in a creative family and discovering hip hop shaped his identity and ambitions. From early school performances to training at The Place, he reflects on navigating class and cultural barriers within the world of contemporary dance to carve his own path. Jonzi recounts the creation of groundbreaking works like Aeroplane Man and Lyrical Theatre , which fused rap, poetry and movement, giving voice to political and social realities often absent from mainstream stages. He also discusses founding Breakin’ Convention at Sadler’s Wells, an international festival that redefined how hip hop is seen in theatre and challenged entrenched notions of “high” and “low” art, Jonzi speaks about identity, community, race, and the limitless potential he found in hip hop culture. Content Guidance: Light reference to drug use Recorded: 1st October 2025 Sound Recordist: Dr Laura Taylor Editing: Dr Laura Taylor Audio accompaniment: Dr Jess Blaise Ward Audio accompaniment mastering: Michael Ward

People in this episode

Guest: Jonzi D

Topics covered

  • hip hop
  • contemporary dance
  • identity
  • class barriers
  • cultural barriers
  • community
  • art

Keywords

  • hip hop
  • dance
  • identity
  • class
  • cultural barriers
  • Breakin’ Convention
  • theatre
  • art
  • community
  • politics

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Sadler’s Wells

Books & works: Aeroplane Man, Lyrical Theatre

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