Ivan Michael Blackstock

An inspiring cultural innovator with a background in choreography and dance, Ivan Michael Blackstock is a South London-born multi-displinary artist whose work as a mentor, curator and cultural observer led him to found CRXSS PLATFXRM in 2016.

He first established himself as a professional dancer, working on music videos with artists such as Dizzee Rascal and Neneh Cherry; advertising for brands like Adidas, Reebok and Samsung and television programmes The X Factor UK and Dancing with the Stars USA. After establishing a successful commercial career, Ivan went on to create his own work as well as co-found BirdGang Dance Company. This led to the creation of the critically acclaimed production A Harlem Dream at The Young Vic. After the success of this sold-out production, Ivan was then formerly appointed Associate Artist.

From 2015 Ivan Michael Blackstock has focused primarily on his work as an independent artist and creating intense, thought-provoking and political dance theatre. His work has been presented at Sadler’s Wells Breakin’ Convention Festival, Latitude Festival and La Villette Theatre in Paris. A natural collaborator, Ivan joined forces with independent arts producer Georgina Harper to launch CRXSS PLATFXRM in 2016 and the organisation has delivered numerous projects and an annual live festival in Peckham. Most recently Ivan Michael Blackstock was awarded breakthrough cultural excellence in Film and Video for the inaugural Nowness Awards 2019 and he is currently developing a major new site specific work for 2021/22.