Dickson Mbi was born in Cameroon and grew up in London where he studied at Lewisham College and London Contemporary Dance School. He is a world-renowned dancer in the Hip Hop dance community and best known for his popping skills which is integral to the work that he creates today. Dickson has featured in multiple TV campaigns including BALMAIN X H&M (2016), AUDI E TRON (2014), and was the face for LUCOZADE REVIVE (2012). Over the course of his career, he has worked with award-winning artists such as Russell Maliphant, Boy Blue Entertainment, Robbie Williams, Corrine Bailey-Rae, Black Eyed Peas and choreographed the 'Leave A Trace' music video for CHVRCHES.
He is an award-winning choreographer and has been commissioned by several theatres, festivals and arts organisation. In 2018, Sadler's Wells Theatre commissioned a documentary ‘Street to Stage’ about Dickson's artistic journey for BBC4’s Danceworks series. Later that year, Sadler's Wells commissioned him to create work for their elderly company - The Company of Elders. In the following year, Dickson was commissioned by BBC Young Dancer to create the winning choreography UNSTRUNG performed by Max Revell.
As a leader in his community, Dickson focuses on fostering the future generations of dancers with his partner Brooke Milliner in their battle crews Prototype and FIYA HOUSE. As a choreographer, Dickson enjoys making works for other companies as well as presenting his own works under Dickson Mbi Company.
2021
Recipient of a Live Work Fund Award
2019
The Lowry, Manchester Artist Development Programme
South Bank Sky Arts Award for ‘Times Breakthrough Artist’
2018
Nomination for ‘Outstanding Male Performer (Modern)’ at the Critics’ Circle
National Dance Awards for his performance in Maliphantworks 2
2017-18
One Dance UK Trailblazers Fellow
2017
Nomination for ‘Emerging Artist’ at the Critics’ Circle National Dance Awards
Choreography:
RUNNING WHERE at Barbican Lab Showcase at Rich Mix 2017
ABYSS performed by Company of Elders, Saddler’s Wells 2018
UNSTRUNG performed by Max Revell, BBC Young Dancer Winner 2019
DUENDE at Saddler’s Wells, 2018
MOKITA commissioned and produced by the 2021 Hong Kong Arts Festival and was premiered as part of the Hong Kong Jockey Club Contemporary Dance Series
ENOWATE coming to Saddler’s Wells October 2022, Co-commissioned by Saddler’s Wells, The Barbican, Dance East & The Lowry
TV credits:
Street to Stage documentary about Dickson’s artistic journey, commissioned by Saddler’s Wells Theatre, part of BBC4’s Danceworks series, 2018
Leave A Trace by CHVRCHES – choreographed music video