By Molly Magennis
A Footscray based not-for-profit organisation and registered charity will be hosting a hip-hop dance event in March, inviting all to celebrate the iconic street dance style and watch the best crews in the west perform.
L2R Dance’s Block Party is set to kick off on the lawns of Footscray Community Arts on March 12.
The event will showcase a range of local dance crews across both street and social dance styles, with food trucks and a BBQ lunch available for all that attend.
L2R Dance founder chief executive and artistic director Jacinda Richards said dance is an empowering form of expression.
“We want to show how dance plays an important role in the lives of our young dancers including our current Igniting Legends who are passionate leaders committed within their cultural communities.”
L2R Dance delivers dance programs, performances and workshops across Melbourne’s west, and provides arts leadership opportunities and employment pathways for disadvantaged youth.
Over the past 12 months, the organisation offered a 12-month paid internship to build career pathways for three emerging artists as part of their Igniting Legends program. One such artist includes Ugandan born 19-year-old Yolande Arinda, who will now work at L2R Dance as artist liaison for street dance events while also completing her Bachelor of Arts at Deakin University.
L2R Dance’s Youth Arts Coordinator Efren Pamilacan, said: “Our emerging artists have partnered with mentors across Australia and attended festivals such as Yirramboi, NGV Triennial and City Sessions.”
L2R Dance’s Block Party will run from 12pm – 7pm. Tickets are free for those under 18, $10 for adults and $20 for a family.
Details: www.eventbrite.com.au/e/l2r-block-party-tickets-166871929433
