New, Oakland-grown, urban dance competition comes to Jack London Square
First turf dancing battle is Saturday, April 22 at the waterfront
Oakland, Calif. – April 19, 2017: It is a first for Oakland and the world - a competition, based on the turf dance phenomenon that originated in Oakland, will take place April 22 from Noon to 6 PM at Jack London Square. The family friendly event is free and open to the public.
“Turfin vs. the World Dance Battle” is a new event at the Oakland waterfront. It will showcase the urban dance style, live music, dance workshops and local eats and vendors. In addition to the invite-only dance battles, there will be a separate competition open to the public to participate. The dance battle series will continue July 1 with a third competition in the fall, both at the Square.
Turf dancing is a combination of boogaloo, breakdance, footwork, house dance, mime, and storytelling. The art form developed in Oakland in the 1990s as an urban dance style and a cultural movement. TURFinc is an Oakland-based company dedicated to creating positive changes in the community through dance; it is introducing turfing to the public through classes, performances and this first-ever dance battle at the Square.
TURFinc Founder Johnny Lopez said, “I’m thrilled to bring turf dancing, a style that originated on the streets of Oakland, to Jack London Square.”
This is one of 55 free public events throughout the year in Jack London Square. The Square is a historic working waterfront and is one of the Bay Area’s premier recreational, dining and commercial districts.
Please go here to see all of the activities offered at the Oakland waterfront or call (510) 645-9292. Transportation options to the Square include the Alameda/SF Bay Ferry, the free “B” that runs along Broadway, public transit, biking, walking and driving. For Directions to Jack London Square, please go here.
About the Port of Oakland: The Port of Oakland oversees the Oakland seaport, Oakland International Airport, and 20 miles of waterfront including Jack London Square. Together with its business partners, the port supports more than 73,000 jobs in the region and nearly 827,000 jobs across the United States. Connect with the Port of Oakland and Oakland International Airport through Facebook, or with the Port on Twitter, YouTube and at www.portofoakland.com
Media Contacts:
Mike Zampa
Communications Director
Port of Oakland
(510) 627-1565
[email protected]
Robert Bernardo
Communications Manager
Port of Oakland
(510) 627-1401
Click here to contact Robert Bernardo
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