Breakin' into the hip hop life

Jun 21 2007 By Andy Coleman, Birmingham Mail

BRITAIN'S first hip hop conference opens in Birmingham on Saturday, offering the chance to learn the moves, sharpen the skills and understand the lifestyle.

BBoys for Life at the Birmingham Rep Theatre features discussions, debate, masterclasses, films and performances led by the best and most influential artists from the UK and international scene.

Those taking part include Americans Jorge "Pop Master Fabel" Pabon, Honey Rockwell, Float and TEKNYC.

Pop Master Fabel is a principal dancer and one of the artistic directors of the Legends Of Hip Hop theatre show, while Honey Rockwell, who learnt her BGirl skills from Rock Steady Crew, spreads positive hip hop messages to children through outreach programmes.

Float moved from martial arts to dance, appearing in Mariah Carey's video, Fantasy. From Europe there's BGirl Aruna (Holland), Maurizio (Italy) and Nika Kramer (Germany).

Representing the UK are Hanifa, Jonzi D, Marso, Benji Reid, Chimp, Raj, Steady and Dolby D.

The Rep doors will open at 10.30am, with Pop Master Fabel delivering 'The Hip Hop Swindle Lecture' at 11.30am.

Also at 11.30am, Holly Rockwell leads a Baby Breakers workshop and there's a panel discussion led by BGirl Aruna.

Other highlights of the day include masterclasses at 2.15pm and 3.30pm, the film Redder Than Red at 6pm and the finale show at 7pm.

A spokesman from organisers Punch says: "This is a fantastic opportunity to meet legendary Hip Hop pioneers, sharpen your skills or just have a good time chilling out to some good music whilst watching someone spin on their head!"

Entrance is free, masterclasses are £3 each. To book call 0121 236 4455 or go to www.birmingham-rep.co.uk. BBoys For Life is part of Birmingham's BASS Festival. Future events include: Today and tomorrow: Decypher Collective & Inner City Life @ The Rep. Tomorrow: MC Masterclass with Black Twang aka Tony Rotten @ CBSO Centre, 11am-1pm. June 26: Japanese jazz band, Soil & Pimp Sessions @ The Jam House.