A Leeds breakdancing 'battle' will help to encourage inner city youngsters to stay clear of violence.
The Hunslet Club in South Leeds is set to host the first of a series of Breakdance Battles organised by Speak To The Streets, the Pat Regan Legacy.
Pat Regan campaigned tirelessly against guns, knives and gang culture before being stabbed to death in 2008. Her son, Shane, is continuing her campaign through Speak To The Streets.
Huge crowds flocked to similar breakdancing events held at Leeds University over the past two years, which showcased dancers from all over the world.
Heart of the city
Now Shane Fenton, Speak To The Streets founder, is aiming to take the event directly into the heart of the city. He said:
"It is important we take our work to different communities. The events at the university were immense success stories but it's got to reach out now.
"I have always maintained that when youth clubs were closed in the 1980s it only served to increase the prison intake. The Hunslet Club has kept going throughout all this, kept the kids busy, and we look forward to working with them closely over the next 12 months to ensure we have a high profile monthly event for the kids and families to enjoy with a strong positive message."
As well as putting across an anti-violence message, Speak to the Streets is also a celebration of street culture and how it has influenced modern-day life.
Phillipa Ranger, arts development worker at the Hunslet Club, said:
"The chance for the young people here to see such great role models performing will be fantastic."
UK champion hosts workshop
The Breakdance Battle will take place Saturday, 4 September, and will feature some of the best under 18 breakdancers in the UK Prizes include £100 for the winners. There will also be a workshop from Raw B – UK champion and one of the UK's most famous breakdancers.
Other new activities for young people at the Hunslet Club starting in September will include musical theatre and performing arts, hip hop, ballet and the chance to work towards Duke of Edinburgh awards. Adults will also be able to enjoy box fit or dance fit sessions to get into shape on weekday nights.
Jason Slack, funding and marketing officer at the Hunslet Club, added:
"This is our 70th anniversary year and probably our most action-packed timetable of activities to date, any day of the week we are just buzzing with activity and helping young people of all abilities to reach their full potential."
Any dancer, from beginner to advanced level is welcome to the Breakdance Battle event. Further details can be found at www.hunsletclub.org.uk or by ringing 0113 2716489.
