jazz arts rewired conventions

Jazz Arts Rewired Convention (JAR) © created and curated by BOP Jazz Theatre Company, is presented in partnership with The Place. The JAR Convention champions access, inclusion and diversity, strengthening the jazz dance theatre ecology within the UK.

Building on their sold-out Jazz Arts Rewired Conventions of 2023 and 2025, BOP continues to create a stable, flourishing space where jazz artists, teachers and practitioners and the wider dance community can explore, expand and engage with the jazz idiom within a contemporary setting.

 Jazz Arts Rewired Convention 2027 will continue to nurture and support our established jazz dance artists and emerging choreographers, increasing the visibility and viability of jazz dance theatre in the UK. BOP have curated and established a unique space that deepens the ties with a nationwide jazz dance community, widens the outreach in jazz arts education, and builds upon national and international partnerships giving Jazz Arts a vital, lasting profile and platform.

Our Aims

  • Partnerships: grow national and international partners and platforms.

  • Education: expand outreach in schools, colleges and universities.

  • Artistry: champion jazz dance theatre beyond its commercial image.

  • Artists: give graduates, professional dancers and choreographers opportunities to develop work and perform.

  • Audiences: build and sustain local, national and international audiences and participation.

  • Heritage: share the lineage of jazz through workshops, CPD, seminars, residencies and practical activities.

Our Partners

Building on the momentum of 2023 and 2025, we have deepened our partnerships with The Place, Once Dance UK, Jazz Theatre Arts UK, Morley College. In 2027, we welcome new partners Creative Academy – Slough, The BRIT School – Croydon, Rambert School, Royal Academy of Dance and independent partner sponsorship from London International Arts Theatre Limited.

BOP Artistic Directors and Creators & Curators of Jazz Arts Rewired: Dollie Henry MBE & Paul Jenkins

View Jazz Arts Rewired performance 2025

The Guest Panel of ‘Let’s Talk Jazz Discussion Forum’ on the JAR Day of Practice & Participation

View Jazz Arts Rewired performance 2023

Jazz ARTS REWIRED Reviews

  • The choice of music and many compositions by Paul Jenkins were glorious. Every dance was performed with great passion, talent and commitment. There were two that stood out “Revolution in Motion” by Griots Dance Collective and “Daughter of Eve” by the BOP Jazz Theatre Company. Jazz Dance is for everyone and this was reflected on stage and by the audience that were attracted to attend this performance. A great night out to see a great mix of emerging and polished Jazz Dance. Roll on 2 years for their return performance!”

    — Richard Lambert - Theatre Reviews.Design - 4 ★★★★

  • I had the joy of going to Jazz Arts ReWIRED at The Place, a platform produced and curated by BOP, that champions jazz dance theatre and gives space for emerging choreographers to step into the spotlight. BOP’s mission with Jazz Arts ReWIRED is to celebrate the heritage of jazz while opening doors for the next generation. It’s about preserving the richness of jazz theatre, supporting diverse voices, and ensuring this artform continues to evolve and inspire. Seeing the energy, creativity and storytelling on stage was a powerful reminder of how art connects history with the present, and why supporting organisations like BOP matters.

    — Hannah Thomas - Alira Arts

  • Flying the flag for jazz dance since the 1990s has been BOP Jazz Theatre Company (where BOP stands for Body of People), led by the indomitable Dollie Henry and Paul Jenkins. The company is not just concerned with doing its own thing; rather, they advocate for the form and support the widest possible jazz dance ecology. This is where the Jazz Arts ReWIRED two-day convention comes in. Two years on from the first one, The Place has just hosted the second, alongside its entertaining final performance. I can’t speak for the convention, but if it’s anything like the performance, it will have been an enlightening, uplifting and joyful affair.

    — Review by LiftedLeg ★★★★

JAR Partners