Area residents interested in expanding their knowledge about the art of hip-hop dance and showcasing their dancing skills are invited to participate in Owens Community College’s third annual Hip Hop Explosion event, April 2-3.

The two-day event will feature hip-hop dance instruction from nationally-recognized professional choreographers, as well as a dancing skills talent competition.

Presented by the College’s Dance Express Team student organization, the Hip Hop Dance Explosion event will be held from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day in the Student Health and Activities Center and the Center for Fine and Performing Arts on the Toledo-area Campus in Perrysburg Township.

Beginning at 9 a.m. Friday, April 2, attendees ages 6and up will have the opportunity to master their dancing skills as part of an instructional program featuring nationally acclaimed choreographers JaQuel Knight, B-boy Wicket, Lisette Bustamante and B-boy Finesse.

Knight is quickly becoming one of the top requested choreographers in the business today and is recognized as one of two choreographers behind Beyoncé’s single “Single Ladies (Put A Ring On It),” which won the 2009 BET Video of the Year.

He also choreographed Beyoncé’s single, “Diva” and played a role in her 2009 “I am…” world tour. In addition, Knight provided instruction to the top 10 contestants for the 2009 American Idol tour.
 B-boy Wicket is regarded as one of the most influential B-boy professionals in the world for his popular style of B-boying. His professional background includes performing with the famous Renegade Rockers and the Rock Steady Crew. B-boy Wicket recently added hip-hop choreography to his repertoire and has worked with such entertainers as Will Smith, Miley Cyrus and LL Cool J.

Additionally, Bustamante has collaborated with such renowned artists as Aaliyah, Missy Elliot, Gwen Stefani and Madonna as a choreographer and dancer. Her background also includes appearances in several television and film projects and she has been featured in commercials for Gap and Pepsi.

Additionally, Bustamante served as the Creative Director for the 2005 Latin Grammy Awards. B-boy Finesse is recognized as a specialist in the art of breakdancing. B-boy Finesse has displayed his talents globally to include winning the 2003 Euro Pro Am while a member of the Renegade Rockers. He also appeared in the documentary film “Planet B-boy.” In addition, local choreographers Matthew and William Hanson will provide expert instruction in hip-hop dancing as part of the program.

Individuals will be able to participate in one of three dance classes, which include junior (ages 6-10), intermediate (ages 11-15) and advanced (ages 16 and up). Participants will learn about an array of styles as part of the instruction ranging from locking to breakdancing. The fee for the two-day instructional portion of Hip Hop Explosion is $75 for the general public, while non-participants can observe the dance program for $20. Attendees can also purchase one-day instructional workshop pass for $45.

In addition to the hip-hop instruction, area residents will have the opportunity to watch some of the best groups in the region showcase their dancing skills as the college hosts the Original Toledo Citiwide Dance Competition April 2 form 6 to 9 p.m. in the Student Health and Activities Center.
 Seven teams are expected to compete in the event, including teams from Libbey High School, Woodward High School, Waite High School, House of Adonis, Scott High School and Toledo School for the Arts, among others. A panel of judges will critique the participants with the top three teams receiving awards. Tickets for the dance competition are $7 per person.

For more information, call 567-661-7583 or 1-800-GO-OWENS, ext. 7583.

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