Hip-hop company headlines Montana Dance Festival
Published: August 1, 2011
Havre briefly becomes the dance capital of Montana Aug. 12-13 when Lifesongs of Montana presents a dance competition, workshop and performance Aug. 12-13 in Havre. Josh Burns and the Unseen, an innovative hip-hop company from Portland, Ore., teach and perform.
The festival begins Friday, Aug. 12, with Burns and his talented ensemble offering nine workshops, beginning at 1 p.m. at Holiday Village Mall ($45-$100). Classes include hip-hop, R&B, street jazz and breaking.
Montana’s Best Dance Crew Competition begins at 7 p.m. at Havre High School Auditorium, and includes a performance by the Unseen (members are also celebrity judges), as well as performances by 12 teams competing for the championship. Entry fee is $100 per team, with cash prizes awarded to the top dancers.
On Saturday, Aug. 13, nine couples compete in jitterbug, two-step and waltz during Dancing with the Hometown Stars, 7 p.m. at the high school. Judges and the audience will decide the winner. Burns, the Unseen and guest artists also perform. Tickets are $15-$18.
Festivities conclude with a Victory Celebration, 6 p.m. Aug. 16 at Pepin Park, where a barbecue, music and a circle dance will honor staff and participants.
The inaugural festival aims to increase awareness of mental health issues facing children in rural Montana and to improve the quality of life for those children through cultural exchanges and participation in music, dance, literature and drama.
Call 265-5048 or visit www.montanadancefestival.com for details.
