In the 1980s, the forecourt of the Opéra de Lyon became the birthplace of hip-hop in the city. To reconnect with this history, BLOCK · CCN in Rillieux-la-Pape and the Opéra national de Lyon are joining forces for an immersive battle on the Opéra’s main stage.

The Opera House forecourt: this is where generations of dancers have gathered to practise freely, improvise, exchange ideas and, sometimes, compete with each other. This is how, under the gaze of passers-by, urban dance has established itself in the Lyon landscape. The Opera House forecourt has become a symbol, as well as a place of expression: that of a culture born outdoors, free, spontaneous and deeply shared. The Opéra Breaking Battle or #OBB event aims to revive this memory and give it new resonance.

After cyphers and a conference open to all, the Opera’s main stage will host an exceptional international battle, bringing together dancers from different backgrounds. The stage will become a symbolic arena, a place for creative confrontation and human sharing. A project to remind us of a common territory: the Opera as a place where the history and present of hip-hop come together, where the street and the institution speak to each other as equals, driven by the same desire to pass on and celebrate.

5 PM – Cypher King on the Opera House forecourt
(free)

Before the event on the main stage, the audience will be able to watch cyphers*. In these free dance circles, accessible upon registration, around a hundred dancers will compete with the same goal: to be crowned King or Queen of the cypher and win a prize.

6:30 PM – Talk in the amphitheater
(free)

In the amphitheater, a talk will illustrate the history of hip-hop in Lyon and France, the decisive role played by the Opera House forecourt in its recognition, and how artists are continuing and reinventing this heritage today.

8:30 PM – international Battle 5 vs 5 break in the main hall
(paid admission, reservation required)

In the main hall, #OBB will see eight crews of five dancers compete in the breaking category. They will be judged by a panel of three judges: B-girl Ayu (Japan), Reveal (United States), and B-boy Lilou (France). DJ One Up will be on the turntables, with MC Johnson and Léa on the mic.