Born and raised in London, dance innovator and cultural observer Ivan Michael Blackstock first established himself in the UK underground dance scene then as a professional dancer and choreographer, working on music videos, advertising and television.
After establishing a successful commercial career, Ivan went on to create his own work as an independent artist creating intense, thought-provoking and political theatre.
In 2016 Ivan launched and founded CRXSS PLATFXRM. Delivering high profile partnership events and consultancy with major cultural venues and brands.
Nowness Awards 2019 Honouree: Breakthrough Cultural Excellence in Film and Video
The Guardian & The Hospital Club 2013 Honouree: Theatre & Performance
Credits: Beyonce, Nike, BVLGARI, Nowness, Sadlers Wells, National Theatre, Redbull, Guinness, Ace Hotel etc.
Projects credited in
- Southbank Centre - Summertime Weekend Takeover 2018A free weekend of performance from Peckham-founded showcase CRXSS PLATFXRM, discover fresh perspectives in street culture and marvel at an experimental hip-hop dance battle presented in partnership with internationally acclaimed Rain Crew. Featuring Magero and The BrotherHood, Rawheed Collective, AQWEA, Kofi M, BORN N BREAD, Nihilism, Rowdy SS, Gabi’el and DJ Barla, and BBZ. Photos by Alex Rice and Craig Preston4
- NSF CRXSS PLATFXRM 2019Showcasing new voices and perspectives in music, dance, digital art, DIY culture, art, fashion and film from artists redefining contemporary Street Culture. NSF CRXSS PLATFXRM is more than a festival. Motivated by a desire to showcase hidden genius and connect artists and audiences, Artistic Director Ivan Blackstock wanted to bring together multiple art forms in a place bubbling with creativity and new directions: Peckham. Featuring Nigerian Afrobeat artist Wavy The Creator, film from Jenn Nk
- CRXSS PLATFXRM x DANCE UMBRELLAA wave of talent. A fresh perspective on dance and street culture. A space for what’s next. Conceived by Ivan Blackstock, artist, innovator and co-founder of BirdGang Dance Company, CRXSS PLATFXRM elevates the underground, uncovering hidden genius from within London’s street culture and beyond. Featuring a live freestyle dance battle, presented in collaboration with Rain Crew, experimental sounds and multifaceted performances from Paris-based Gonzy and established and under-the-radar artists,
- Latitude Festival 2018CRXSS PLATFXRM curated programme at the Waterfront Stage at Latitude Festival 2018. CRXSS PLATFXRM introduced a new wave of Street Culture artists bringing fresh perspectives to dance, music, and live performance; mashing up Grime, Hip Hop, Street Dance and more. Line up including: Godson and Energy Squad Gonzy Denzel Himself Gabi'el Mister S from Rawheed Collective Images by Alex Rice
- CRXSS PLATFXRM at Peckham Festival Takeover 2017Curated by artist and choreographer Ivan Blackstock, the Peckham Festival Takeover included performances, film screenings and talks, highlighting under the radar and established artists who are exploring new directions in street culture. Photo credit - Paula Harrowing6
- NSF CRXSS PLATFXRM 2018Our flagship festival NSF CRXSS PLATFXRM 2018 was curated by artist, choreographer and innovator Ivan Blackstock and took place at Copeland Gallery, a five room warehouse space in Peckham featuring live performance, art installations, photography. It featured work and/or performances from: NSDOS, Izaak Brandt, Greentea Peng, M.I.C, Muslim Sisterhood and Crack Stevens. Photos by Alex Rice
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Awards
Nowness - Breakthrough cultural excellence in Film and VideoNOWNESS
Inaugural Nowness Awards 2019.