Innovative partnership blends hip-hop with Baroque for musicians and students

At a secondary school in north London, street dancers and a professional orchestra come together in a collaboration that bridges centuries of music. The initiative, now in its fifth year, has allowed students and musicians to explore new creative possibilities.

Emmanuel and Jeriah, two enthusiastic teenagers, share their experiences from Breaking Bach, a performance blending street dance with the orchestral compositions of Johann Sebastian Bach. The project was born when the Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment (OAE) established a permanent residency at Acland Burghley School in Camden in 2020.

Jeriah, 15, joined after seeing auditions advertised at the school. "Street dance is all about hitting the beat, but with classical music, you have to move with the flow," he explains. Initially unfamiliar with classical music, he now incorporates it into his choreography after extensive research for the project.

Fourteen-year-old Emmanuel has also gained a new perspective, describing Bach's compositions as "very complex" and noting that the experience has broadened his appreciation for classical music beyond what he once considered "grandpa music." He adds that participating in Breaking Bach has prepared him for future opportunities.

Behind the scenes, 15-year-old Harvey served as sound engineer for the London previews. The experience sparked an interest in technical roles such as sound, lighting, and cinematography. Harvey has since become a youth MP in Camden, highlighting how the project nurtures confidence and transferable skills.

The OAE is the first professional orchestra in the UK to maintain a permanent presence at a state secondary school. Musicians have offices near the playground and rehearse in the school hall, running workshops for students before performing themselves at prestigious venues such as the Southbank Centre. The partnership has not only enriched school life but also improved academic outcomes, with GCSE music pass rates rising from 24% to 77% over five years in a school with a high proportion of pupils with additional needs.

The OAE reaches approximately 17,000 young people annually through its education programme, offering exposure to live classical music that many might otherwise miss. Chief Executive Crispin Woodhead emphasizes that the project demonstrates how cultural institutions can integrate with communities and broaden access to the arts. The orchestra now encourages similar initiatives across the UK.

Breaking Bach has been performed at the Edinburgh International Festival and is available for streaming on Marquee TV.

Author’s Analysis: Breaking Barriers Through Music and Dance

The collaboration between street dancers and the Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment at Acland Burghley School demonstrates a transformative approach to arts education. By integrating classical music with contemporary street dance, students like Emmanuel and Jeriah gain not only technical skills but also a deeper appreciation for music across genres.

Participation in Breaking Bach provides practical experience beyond performance. Harvey’s involvement as a sound engineer illustrates how the project cultivates interest in technical and creative roles, fostering transferable skills that extend into leadership and community engagement.

Academic outcomes also reflect the program’s impact. GCSE music pass rates have risen from 24% to 77% over five years, suggesting that sustained exposure to high-quality, interactive arts programs can directly enhance educational achievement, even in schools serving pupils with additional needs.

Ultimately, the OAE residency exemplifies how professional cultural institutions can actively integrate into local communities. By making classical music accessible and interactive, the initiative not only enriches students’ artistic lives but also sets a precedent for similar programs nationwide.

Sources:

• Musicians and pupils mix hip-hop with Baroque in pioneering partnership

Author: Olivia Parker
Olivia Parker is a journalist and editor with over 8 years in media. She focuses on culture, arts, and social issues, skilled in feature writing and critical reviews.