Breaking Bach

Young dancers with a background in street and hip hop are working with Kim Brandstrup and the Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment to music by Bach.

Remember "Rhythm is it", when Berlin kids danced Stravinsky's “Sacre du printemps”? Poorhouse International is proud to present “Breaking Bach”, a direct outcome of the Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment's residency at Acland Burghley School in Camden, North London, home of a talented, committed dance community, where many of the young dancers featured in “Breaking Bach”, are or were students.

Choreographer Kim Brandstrup invited these dancers with a background in street and break dance as well as hip hop to engage with the complexity of Bach's music performed live by the OAE in fresh and innovative ways. After a first attempt with Bach's Double Concerto for two violins and orchestra Brandstrup followed up with the Third Brandenburg Concerto and other pieces by the composer saying “these kids have the speed to match this music”. The much-acclaimed première was recorded at the Edinburgh International Festival in August 2025.

English title Breaking Bach
Production year 2025
Duration 51 Minutes
Director Zen Grisdale and Kim Brandstrup
Video format 4K