Wheels, balls, rhythms, and bodies are all in perpetual rotation in the hip-hop riot that is 360 Allstars. At the Sydney Opera House through April 28, it is a joyful, high-energy hour celebrating street culture and sport.
Musician Gene Peterson on a drumset, and beatboxer/DJ Beau Monga play host to a cast of seven, which also includes bboys (breakdancers) Leerok Gonzales and Peter Sette, BMX champion Peter Söre, basketball freestyler Bavo Delbeke, and Cyr wheel artist Rowan Thomas.
Each artist gets to show their individual talents and personalities in short scenes that are accented with music, projections, and interaction with the audience. Every one has something jaw-dropping to showcase: The BMX bike is an acrobatic prop for Söre. Bboys battle it out in a video game style match. Monga demonstrates beatboxing and looping styles, and Peterson gets his turn to literally show his drumming, with the help of overhead video projection. Basketballer Bavo really gets the crowd on his side, as he adds more and more balls to his routine. And, Cyr wheeler Thomas might get the biggest wow with his turns on the big loop.
All of the individual acts are impressive, but the show really gets fun when the guys come together for group scenes. They seem to be having a lot of fun playing together, collaborating on tricks and humor. They do a good job of keeping the room energized by making the audience feel like they’re equal collaborators, as well.
360 Allstars is recommended for ages 7+, though my 6 year old was deeply involved and loved every boisterous minute. I think you could go as young as 5, though be warned the the music is quite loud and sometimes intense, and there is strong lighting and haze, so consider whether your younger child is comfortable in a more intense situation. For tweens and teens, this show has so much to appeal to them, and never feels like a “kid’s show”.
My one bone to pick with this show is that the cast could really use a female member. Surely there are some super women street artists out there! I would have loved for my little girl to have seen one, next to the cool guys because she came away pretty convinced that a career in break dancing was in her future.
In fact, I saw a fair few tricks being performed by kids on the forecourt as we exited the show. Make sure you have the safety equipment at the ready for when you get home from 360 Allstars because your kids may be looking to spend the rest of their school holidays perfecting their extreme skills in your backyard!
We attended 360 Allstars as guests of the Sydney Opera House. Opinions are entirely ours.
360 Allstars runs through 28 April at the Sydney Opera House. Ticket prices begin at $34, plus booking fee.
For more ideas on school holidays arts activities for Sydney kids, see our April School Holidays guide!