In the 1980s, the forecourt of the Opéra de Lyon became a founding place for hip-hop in the city. To reconnect with this history, Le BLOCK · CCN de Rillieux-la-Pape and the Opéra national de Lyon are joining forces for an immersive battle on the Opera’s main stage.
The Opera forecourt is where generations of dancers came together to practise freely, improvise, exchange and, at times, challenge one another. Under the gaze of passers-by, urban dance forms gradually asserted their place in Lyon’s cultural landscape. The Opéra’s Peristyle became both a symbol and a space for expression: the symbol of a culture born outside, free, spontaneous and deeply shared. The Opéra Breaking Battle #OBB aims to bring this memory back to life and give it a new resonance.
After cyphers and a talk open to all, the Opera’s main stage will become the setting for an exceptional international battle, bringing together dancers from a wide range of backgrounds. The stage will become a symbolic arena, a place of creative confrontation and human connection. A project that reaffirms a shared territory: the Opera as a place where hip-hop’s history and present meet, where the street and the institution speak to each other on equal terms, driven by the same desire to transmit, celebrate and share.
INFOS PRATIQUES
Thursday, May 21, 2026
5:00 pm — 10:30 pm
Opéra national de Lyon
1 place de la Comédie
69001 Lyon
BOOKING
Tickets: €12 to €35
→ Audience members, book your tickets!
→ Dancers, register for the Cypher and enjoy a special €15 seat for #OBB
Photos © Tony Noël © Pierre Augros / Le Progrès
5:00 pm – Cypher King · Queen on the Opera forecourt
(€15 with registration / free access for the public)
As a prelude to the event on the main stage, audiences will be able to watch cyphers take place. Within these free dance circles, open to dancers upon registration, around one hundred dancers will face off with one goal in mind: to be crowned King or Queen of the cypher, with a prize at stake.
6:30 pm – “Opéra Generations” talk in the Amphitheatre
(free, booking required)
In the Amphitheatre, a talk will explore the history of hip-hop in Lyon, the decisive role played by the Opera forecourt in its recognition, and the ways in which artists continue to extend and reinvent this legacy today.
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8:30 pm – International 5 vs 5 breaking battle in the Main Auditorium
(€12 — €35, booking required)
In the Main Auditorium, #OBB will bring together 8 crews of 5 b-girls or b-boys in the breaking category. They will be judged by three jurors: B-girl Ayu (Japan), Reveal (United States) and B-boy Lilou (France). On the decks: DJ One Up. On the mic: MC Johnson and Léa Lady Rocks.
Gully LDN (United Kingdom) 🇬🇧
Bringing together some of the best dancers from the United Kingdom, Gully LDN is known for its technique, creativity and stage energy. Together, they embody the excellence of British breaking.
Vinotinto (Venezuela) 🇻🇪
Driven by members who are highly active on the international scene, Team Vinotinto keeps racking up victories. Proud of its Latin identity, the crew brings the full heat of Venezuela to the stage, making it a formidable opponent.
Battle Droid (Belgium) 🇧🇪
An emerging group from the Belgian scene, Battle Droid has established itself as a key name in international competitions. Its choreography and stage presence have been making a lasting impression for several years.
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Team Ukraine 🇺🇦
A powerful blend of dancers from both the old and new generations, combining experience with freshness. Their unique Eastern European style comes through fully on stage.
Squadron (United States) 🇺🇸
Coming from the United States, Squadron is a global reference in breaking. Rarely seen in Europe, the crew will be at the Opera to compete, and to shake the stage.
Team Switzerland 🇨🇭
Made up of dancers from different Swiss cantons and several generations, Team Switzerland embodies the diversity and strength of the country’s breaking scene. Used to international battles, each member brings their own style, energy and vision of breaking, creating a powerful balance between transmission, technique and creativity.
Melting Force (Saint-Étienne) 🇫🇷
Coming from Saint-Étienne, Melting Force has stood out across several generations. Their work focuses on visual impact and the power of the collective, delivering performances that are always surprising.
Team Lyon 🇫🇷
Team Lyon proudly embodies Lyon’s DNA, bringing creativity and boldness to every appearance. Mostly made up of a new generation of dancers, this team represents the future of breaking in Lyon.
