Local residents of all ages are invited to join professional dancers, DJs and choreographers at Christine Emerson Reed Park this weekend for “the MOVEMENT,” an event described by city officials as an afternoon of fun, music and community connections.
Occurring from 3 to 5 p.m. Saturday at Reed Park, which is located at 1133 Seventh Street, the inaugural dance party was produced in conjunction with the City of Santa Monica’s Department of Cultural Affairs in an effort to provide local residents the opportunity to connect with other community members while learning new dance steps and getting active
“It’s the first time we’ve done something like this,” said Justin Yoffe, the city’s cultural venue supervisor. “We’ve been doing concerts over at Reed for some time and we wanted to add dancing because we thought people would really enjoy that.”
Yoffe added, “There will be two different styles of dances, and — in a fun way — they’ll teach you all the steps and get you in the mood so you can do the collective dances together in a community hip-hop flash mob.”
Created, hosted and DJ'ed by Anacron, who has performed and competed internationally as a member of LA Breakers and Brickheadz dance crews, as well as choreographed dance pieces for television and theater, the Movement will also include a number of other special guests.
THE CONTRIBUTORS
DJ Drtysoap — who is a resident DJ at Open House, an internationally recognized house dance session in Los Angeles, and co-founder of a mixtape podcast played around the world — is expected to guest DJ at least one set during Saturday’s activities, according to an event flyer. “The DJ has lived and performed in Japan, China, Taiwan, South Korea, Hawaii and the Bay Area; and has performed throughout Asia and Australia. He can also be found performing monthly at the monthly dance party, Soul Source, in Downtown Los Angeles.”
The event’s flash mob-style choreography lessons will be led by actor and dancer Nikki SooHoo as well as dancer and choreographer Knicole Haggins.
SooHoo is a professional film and television actress who is best known for her roles in "The Lovely Bones", "Stick It," and "Bring It On: Fight to the Finish", event organizers said. “Dedicated to finding ways to positively impact the community,” SooHoo founded the philanthropic project, #PASSTHETAG and is passionate about helping people live to their fullest potential.
Haggins has been featured on everything from world tours, award shows, television, film and theater to commercials, and music videos, according to event organizers. Haggins has also worked as a dancer for countless artists, most notably Prince, Lady Gaga, Usher, Ariana Grande and Chris Brown.
“It’s a true community dance party,” Yoffe said. “They are professional instructors who can work with all ages, and it won’t be anything too strenuous so it’s open to all levels and everybody who’s interested,” but, of course, people can also sit out and enjoy watching the invited dancers show off their rhythmic tricks.
'The MOVEMENT' is free and open to the public, and more information about the event can be found online at bit.ly/theMOVEMENT.
