Here it comes! It’s Buffalo b-boy, b-girl battle extraordinaire – an event that has captivated the hearts, souls and imaginations of hip-hop enthusiasts, dancers, and artists alike. This is a battle like no other. Held under the lights at New Era headquarters, the annual Battle @ Buffalo Under the Lights is a family affair, filled with uncanny dance moves, awesome music, Bboying (breakdancing), DJ’ing, MC’ing and graffiti – all centered around hip hop culture. The diverse event is hosted by Verve Dance Studio.
“We started Battle @ Buffalo Under the Lights so that a broader community would be able to participate in B-Boy and Hip Hop culture, and young artists from Buffalo would have a platform to be seen and heard,” says Shane Depree Fry, Verve’s Creative Director. “It’s a celebration where everyone showing respect and love for each other is welcome.”
The event features approximately 100 professional & amateur dancers engaged in dynamic competition, 50 artists designing original New Era caps, live graffiti art, children’s dance workshops, food trucks and local vendors, a large diverse family-oriented crowd, while showing unity and respect for diversity.
“Verve is about nurturing young artists by providing a positive environment that promotes unity and respect across diverse demographics,” echoes cofounder Heather Russell. “Under the Lights is one way we do that.”
BATTLES: Dancers of all ages and backgrounds will have a chance to compete for cash prizes and accolades in three categories during Battle @ Buffalo Under the Lights 6. They are:
- 2v2 B-BOY/B-GIRL (Breakdancing): Crews of two breakers will face off in this battle for a $1500 first prize. Expect dynamic, high-flying and powerful moves that will wow spectators.
- 2v2 ALL STYLES: Dancers of all styles (whether they are Hip Hop related or not) are welcome to compete with a partner in this category for the $500 first prize.
- 1v1 KIDS BATTLE: For ages 5 to 12, this battle will give the youth a chance to shine and engage in healthy competition. All dance styles are welcome, and the winner will receive a $50 cash prize.
CAP DESIGN CONTEST: An opportunity for artists of all ages to design their own New Era cap. Participants get a blank 59/50 cap, supplies and two hours to create their design for adult & youth categories.
LIVE MUSIC: Under the Lights’ music lineup will keep attendees dancing all day. Featuring DJ Exx of Dynamic Rockers NYC, DJ Trevthorne, DJ Sike, and a live funk set from the Groove Distillers.
LIVE GRAFFITI ART: Local artists will be making large-scale canvases come alive throughout the day.
KIDS’ ACTIVITIES: Free mini dance workshops and an interactive art tent to create their own pieces.
FOOD TRUCKS & VENDORS: Buffalo’s best food trucks will keep festival-goers satisfied as they check out wares from local vendors, many of whom will be women or minority-owned businesses.
Sixth Annual Battle @ Buffalo Under the Lights
Saturday, August 27th, 2016, Noon – 10pm
Outside the New Era Cap Flagship Store
160 Delaware Ave., Buffalo, NY 14202
