BREATHE: Dance & Poetry Slam 2026 brings spoken word and dance together for an electrifying evening of live performance at Aviva Studios during Black History Month.
Presented by Factory International in partnership with Young Identity and The D.R.E.A.M. Ring, BREATHE pairs poets and dancers to create original performances in which movement and language come together to tell a single story.
Rather than presenting poetry and dance as separate art forms, performers work collaboratively, using words, rhythm, movement and physical expression to create performances that respond to one another.
The competing duos will go head-to-head before a panel of artists from poetry, dance and theatre, with the winning team receiving a £200 prize.
The evening will be hosted by Manchester poet and playwright Reece Williams, with music throughout the event from DJ Renegade, a pioneering figure within the UK hip-hop dance battle scene.
Audiences will also experience special guest performances from acclaimed poet Sophia Thakur and internationally recognised dancer and choreographer Olivia Beckford.
Sophia Thakur has developed a reputation as one of Britain’s leading contemporary spoken-word artists, using poetry to explore themes including identity, faith, relationships, womanhood and culture.
BREATHE reflects a long relationship between poetry, music and movement within Black creative traditions. Spoken word, dance and rhythm have provided powerful ways for communities to tell stories, express identity and respond to the world around them.
Manchester itself has become an important centre for contemporary spoken word and youth creativity, with organisations such as Young Identity helping develop new generations of poets, performers and artists.
Taking place during Black History Month 2026, BREATHE celebrates that creativity while giving audiences the opportunity to experience established performers alongside emerging voices.
The event is suitable for all ages, although anyone under 14 must be accompanied by an adult aged 18 or over.
With tickets available on a Pay What You Can basis from free to £8, BREATHE offers an accessible evening of poetry, movement, music and contemporary Black British creativity in the heart of Manchester.
More Manchester Listings MORE
The Roads We Walked: The Fifth Pan-African Congress
Discover the story of one of the most significant moments in the global struggle for freedom and independence…
Black Creative Trailblazers Showcase 2026
Join a spectacular evening celebrating Black creativity, culture and community, as the Black Creative Trailblazers Showcase returns to…
Jill Scott – To Whom This May Concern World Tour
Three-time GRAMMY Award-winning singer, songwriter, actress and poet Jill Scott returns to Manchester as part of her highly…
Black History Month at Aviva Studios – Portrait of Black Britain
Black History Month at Aviva Studios returns with Portrait of Black Britain, the acclaimed photographic exhibition by artist,…
Black Futures Awards 2026
Black Futures Awards 2026 celebrates Black excellence, leadership and community achievement across Greater Manchester. Taking place at Manchester…
BREATHE: Dance & Poetry Slam 2026
BREATHE: Dance & Poetry Slam 2026 brings spoken word and dance together for an electrifying evening of live…
Manchester Black Business Conference 2026
Manchester Black Business Conference 2026 brings together Black entrepreneurs, professionals, business leaders and creatives for an evening focused…
Lenny Henry: Still At Large
Join Sir Lenny Henry at The Lowry for Still At Large, a compelling live show that blends humour,…