Festival J2K

Festival J2K: Hip-Hop Culture Shines in Laval

Created in the early 2010s by Pôle J2K (Jeunesses 2 Karactère), the Festival J2K has established itself as the annual meeting point for urban cultures in Mayenne. Every autumn, for a week, Laval vibrates to the rhythm of hip-hop, contemporary dance, and urban arts, in a spirit of discovery and intergenerational sharing.

Dance Shows and Stage Performances

The heart of the Festival J2K lies in its programming of contemporary dance and hip-hop shows presented by renowned national companies. The 2025 edition featured eight major creations:

• Hip Hop Games – Les Jeux de la Danse (Art Track): a participatory show combining dance and games
• Macéra (Cie Pyramid): a rhythmic creation for the whole family
• L'Empereur (Cie Virgule): a choreographic piece on power and authority
• Au-Delà des Nuages (Cie Gipsy Raw): a poetic exploration of movement
• Influence (Cie Supreme Legacy): a show about the cross-influences of urban dances
• Karactère Hip Hop Acts 1 & 2 (Cie Racines Carrées): the festival's foundational piece
• 6nergie « Eckmühl » (Cie One Father): an energetic and immersive performance

Iconic Laval Venues Host the Festival

The Festival J2K unfolds its program in several venues across the Laval agglomeration, giving the event an inter-municipal dimension:

• Théâtre de Laval: dance performances on the main stage
• Salle Polyvalente: battles and street performances
• Espace culturel Scomam (headquarters of Styles J2K): workshops and meetings
• Espace du Maine in L'Huisserie: off-site performances
• Espace culturel Le Reflet in Saint-Berthevin: decentralized programming

A Family-Friendly and Accessible Festival

The Festival J2K makes it a point of honor to be accessible to all audiences. Many shows are recommended for ages 3 and up, and prices are intentionally low (free to €8). Hip-hop dance initiation workshops are offered throughout the week, allowing both young and old to try their hand at movement.

An Inter-municipal Dimension

Since the 2025 edition, the Festival J2K has taken on an unprecedented inter-municipal dimension, with performances in Saint-Berthevin and L'Huisserie in addition to Laval, strengthening its reach across the entire agglomeration.