Dance battle brings sense of community to York
More than 20 dancers turned out for the USBC's first-ever all-styles dance battle at New Grounds Roasting Company in York Saturday afternoon.
And right away, the sense of community was evident.
Dancers high-fived one another and cheered each other on as they competed in head-to-head battle rounds, showing off their skills in styles ranging from breakdancing to ballet.
York breakdancer Dandre Deshields said he organized the battle with his dance crew USBC as a way to provide more opportunities for local dancers.
“I’m doing it to bring a light on York’s dance scene and bring something new,” Deshields said.
But the competition was not limited to only York dancers. Dancers traveled from as far as Philadelphia, Reading and Allentown to compete, Deshields said.
The all-styles competition was also open to all ages, including 10-year-old McKenzie Redding, of Shrewsbury, who said she was battling so she could become a stronger dancer.
“Anybody can come – any age, size, race, religion – because we’re all people with a common passion,” Rachel Snider, 18, of Chambersburg said after competing in a battle round.
The winners of Saturday’s competition would walk away $100, $200 and $500 grand prizes.
Deshields said he hopes to organize more battles in the future, but no dates have been confirmed.