By Walter Rutledge
In 1981 two crews met for battle at a community center in a Brooklyn housing project. The crews were not battling with guns and knives these crews weapon of choice was break dance moves and hip-hop bravado.Two young men, each on a mission for dance supremacy, battled it out for “street cred” and urban glory. When the music stopped it was a tie and a life long bond was formed.
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vWzMLSVyCeI&w=560&h=315]
Now twenty years later break dancers turned professional dancers and choreographers Kevin Joseph and Lakai Worrell have cultivated their innate joy of movement into Purelements: An Evolution of Dance. The two share responsibilities as co- executive/ artistic directors of the company, school and community outreach program. The Brooklyn based organization’s goal is to impact their community through the arts; by sharing the gifts that dance have given them.
Purelements: An Evolution of Dance will celebrate their fifth anniversary this week with two performances on Friday December 4 and Saturday December 5, 7:30 pm at the Kumble Theater for the Performing Arts located on the downtown campus of Long Island University. The performances will showcase works from the company’s five-year repertoire and will also feature two company premieres, and four world premieres/ works in progress. The dances are examples of the varied and eclectic signature company style, which melds modern, ballet, jazz, spoken word and dance theatre elements.
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KYPdDtREty4&w=420&h=315]
This rich choreographic tapestry has enthralled audiences since the very beginning. Strong performers, striking production elements and an ever-evolving commitment to community enlightenment have helped Purelements build a loyal following; and the three hundred-seat, state of the art Kumble Theater for the Performing Arts will provide an intimate setting for the company. Tickets are $25 and group purchases are available. Tickets can be purchased at Kumble Box Office and for more information visit www.purelements.org and www.kumbletheatre.org.
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