Today, October 24, local, regional, and international b-boys (breakdancers) will meet in a 4-on-4 competition at the Battle @ Buffalo 3-year Anniversary Jam.
Held monthly at Verve Dance Studio, today's jam only will take place from 2PM to 10 PM at the Buffalo Niagara Court Center at 425 Meyer Rd in West Seneca, but more importantly, it will benefit Aids Community Services here in Buffalo.
Dancers
in the 4-on-4 battle will compete for tickets to one of the largest
international b-boy events, Red Bull BC One, held this year in New York City.
The Anniversary Jam marks three years for the Battle @ Buffalo, a monthly urban dance competition hosted by Shane Fry, aka B-boy Depree of Differential Flavor Crew, and creative director of Verve Dance Studio.
The Battle @ Buffalo not only showcases Buffalo's talent, but also brings in competitors from other regions and countries, so spectators get a sense of each city's unique style of dance. This month, the event is also a way to give back toward an organization that shares a common goal with Fry's studio; promoting positive and healthy lifestyles.
"Influencing youth by getting them involved with something positive helps them to be healthy in mind, body and spirit, that's what we're all about," comments Fry. "Through our classes and events the students learn to express themselves in a creative and positive way, what could be better for community than that?"
"Battle @ Buffalo has been a great outlet for my children, especially my oldest son Xavier. They both love to dance, and the monthly battle allows Xavier, aka Luke Flywalker, to showcase his talent and grow as a dancer," says Maisha Drayton, director of education for AIDS Community Services, and student at Verve. "It's a family event, so we don't have to worry about any negativity. It's pure fun and we look forward to coming each month!"
Spectators are always encouraged to show their support for the dancers, and join in creating the positive atmosphere for all attendees. The Anniversary Jam will also include open dance circles and a 50/50 raffle. Admission is $12 or $10 with a flyer, or attendees may choose to pay full price and donate the difference to AIDS Community Services.
For more information, visit www.vervedancestudio.com, follow Verve at www.twitter.com/VerveDance, or become a fan at www.facebook.com/vervedancestudio.
For
more information on how AIDS Community Services helps Buffalo residents, call
716.847.0212 or visit www.aidscommunityservices.com.
Image: Eugene Cleveland, aka TinMan, does a freeze.
I think this absolutely wonderful. It's great to hear about such hope filled things happening on such a regular bases. Did anyone see the show? How much did they raise?
My family and I went to the Battle@Buffalo this past Saturday (10/24/2009). We had a great time. I was very impressed, not only by the talent (which was amazing!), but by the sportsmanship displayed by all of the dancers. Each dancer was competitive and still very supportive of all the others. It was great to see such consistent displays of good sportsmanship throughout the evening. Can’t wait until the next one!
Cj Sage: So glad you & your family came out and had a great time! Hope to see you at the next Battle - Nov. 28 @ Verve Dance Studio - 910 Main @ 7pm.
I agree - both the talent and sportsmanship was amazing to see! We did not raise as much as we were hoping for AIDS Community Services, but plan to continue working with them for future Battle @ Buffalo's.