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.