London Battle

FREE

Sat 17 Aug 2024

14.00 - 20.30

This is a free event – no ticket is required, but please register your interest so we know you’re attending. Please be aware that the event can be busy at times, and having a ticket does not guarantee entry or allow you to skip the queue.

If you have any access requirements, please let us know by emailing visitor@somersethouse.org.uk.

Edmond J. Safra

Fountain Court

Part of Summer in the Courtyard

Following Saturday’s fire in one part of Somerset House, our focus is on allowing London Fire Brigade the space to do their work.

The Daytimers x RepresentAsian event will not be taking place today and Somerset House will remain closed until further notice. The Courtauld Gallery has not been directly impacted by the fire and it will remain open.

The safety and well-being of artists, visitors and staff is paramount to Somerset House. We apologise for any inconvenience this change of circumstances may cause.

Returning for a second triumphant year, London Battle takes over Somerset House’s iconic open-air courtyard with a day of dance and breaking showcases, workshops, live DJs and a big outdoor party, all culminating in a head-to-head dance battle between the four corners of London.

Celebrating breaking’s inaugural appearance at the Paris Olympic Games in 2024, Somerset House and Dance Umbrella are bringing together some of the most exciting talent from the four corners of London to go head-to-head across a diverse range of styles.

London Battle vol 2 at Somerset House, 07 Oct 2023 Photo Richard Thompson-169 webres.jpg

Someone break dancing. They are stood on their hands, with their legs suspended in the air.

Curated by choreographer Jade Hackett, who has performed with some of the UK’s leading hip hop dance theatre companies, including Boy Blue and ZooNation, you'll be the judge, deciding which neighbourhood of our global city brings the best dance flavour on the day. Who will be crowned champion? Will it be north, south, east or west London that takes the honours?

This is a family friendly event and we welcome people of all ages. However, we recommend carers provide ear defenders for those with a higher sensitivity to amplified music.

This is a standing event. There will be an access area side of stage for wheelchair users and for good sightlines. The event will be BSL interpreted by Gary Morgan and Rebekah Spencer.

Schedule

Host: Jade Hackett
DJ for the Workshops and Battle: Josh Costanzo

Workshops | 14.00 – 17.00
ZooNation repertoire with Natasha Gooden
Waacking with Mademoiselle Ginger
Afro with Patience J
Hip Hop with Kloé Dean
All abilities welcome

Showcases and London Battle | 17.00 – 19.00
A series of performances from some of London’s most exciting dance talent featuring:
AfroQueens
Aretha Jay
Boy Blue

London Battle
Four teams hailing from the four corners of London meet in Somerset House courtyard to slog it out for the London crown. Who will be the best?

North Team
Captain: Jonny Vieco
Battlers: Rory, Lorena

South Team
Captain: Caine
Battlers: Clara, Omni

East Team
Captain: Turbo
Battlers: Kieran Lai, Malachi

West Team
Captain: Vendetta
Battlers: Abisoula, Quake

Judges
Rhimes
Amanda Pefkou aka Siren
Kloé Dean

Outdoor Party with Mister S on the decks | 19.00 – 20.30
Once the winners are crowned, there’ll be a celebration of hip hop bringing all the elements of the day together in one big party.

About Jade Hackett

Jade Hackett is an experienced choreographer, dancer and actor whose dance theatre productions have included: The Pied Piper, Boy Blue Entertainment, Theatre Royal Stratford East 2006 (playing Da Brat); Blaze, the international tour, Berlin and Dubai tour; Into the Hoodz, ZooNation Dance Company, London and UK tour in 2016 (playing Zapunzel); The Mad Hatter’s Tea Party, ZooNation Dance Company, Roundhouse 2016-2017 (playing Queen of Hearts and Cheshire Cat); Some Like it Hip Hop, ZooNation Dance Company, The Peacock Theatre 2019 (playing Kerry). She was also associate choreographer on Boy Blue’s Cycles in 2024.

Her theatre work has included: associate choreographer on Hex, National Theatre; associate choreographer for Get Up Stand Up - The Bob Marley West End Musical; associate choreographer for Sylvia at The Old Vic; Nine Night, written by Natasha Gordon, Trafalgar Studios, 2019 (playing Aunty Maggie and Lorraine); For Black Boys at Apollo and Garrick Theatres; choreographer for Little Shop of Horrors at Sheffield Crucible.

Jade has also appeared in several commercial projects including: StreetDance 3D: The Movie, opposing crew; 2010 Adidas advertising campaigns; ASOS collaboration clothing line; London Olympics and Baku European Games Opening and Closing Ceremonies in 2012 and 2015.

Presented by Somerset House in partnership with Dance Umbrella

Dance Umbrella is London’s international dance festival, taking place every October across the capital and online.
Find out more at www.danceumbrella.co.uk.