Variety's shoe business

High on style and startling images, Hip is a lively cherrypick from the rich diversity of styles gathered together under the banner of black dance. From Jamaican dancehall through African to jazz and contemporary, the 14 performers strutting their solo stuff cover every style imaginable.

First up, and sharing a double bill (today and tomorrow), are Jamaican favourite Tippa and Benin-born (but French-based) Julie Dossavi. A star of this year's Sunfest reggae festival in Kingston, Tippa's eclectic take on Caribbean street dance has led to collaborations with music stars Lady Saw and Elephant Man among others. Dossavi's solo, Go, comes complete with a live soundtrack from DJ Karim and DJ Abel et K1 as she roams the limboland between modern French club culture and African roots.

The moving force behind Hip is Brenda Edwards (pictured), the first black woman to appear with English National Ballet, and she takes a turn in the spotlight as part of 12x1 (Fri and Sat), a night of solo work which does just what it says on the tin. Sheron Wray, Benji Reid and Namron are among the dozen artists each performing a short solo in a cutting-edge spin on the old variety bill.

Tube: Euston/King's Cross

HIP: 1 + 1 - Julie Dossavi & Tippa