Tween Hip Hop Explosion! Color Theme Pink in support of Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Tweens are invited to attend Hip Hop Explosion on Friday, October 18th from 7pm-9pm at Lakeside Legacy Arts Park at the Dole Mansion in Crystal Lake, IL. Hip Hop Explosion is designed for kids ages 7 and up. Tickets are $6 a person and the color theme for the October 18th event is pink. Tweens are encouraged to express themselves through fashion, and wearing the color theme of pink is not required to attend. The color theme this month was chosen to show support for Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Tickets can be bought at the door or in advance at www.LakesideLegacy.org. All attendees must have a parent or guardian sign a waiver to attend. Waivers are provided online or at the door. Lakeside is located 401 Country Club Road in Crystal Lake, IL. Hip Hop Explosion is put together with a partnership with Lakeside Legacy Foundation, Harper College Pom and Dance Team, Berkshire Ballet Theatre and Summers Academy of Dance, Fast Forward Marketing and Stacy Pahl and Janet Kay of from me 2 you photography. Hip Hop explosion launched in February of 2013. In September, Hip Hop Explosion was a part of the City of Crystal Lake's Centennial Kick-Off festival at Three Oaks Recreation Area. Attendees at the September event danced on the beach. Siobhan Cottone, Lakeside's Executive Director, commented on this collaboration with the City of Crystal Lake, "As organizers of this fun community event, Lakeside, along with Vicki Summers of Summer's Academy of Dance, welcomed the opportunity to move this monthly tween event to Kick-Off celebration. We are excited to celebrate 100 great years with the City of Crystal Lake. Lakeside is steep in the history of this great city, and it is important for us to celebrate our rich local roots." Hip Hop Explosion happens once a month, and features a 2 hour hip hop program where kids learn short dance routines and free style moves. “After a successful pilot program this spring, we are excited to continue this community event each month,” remarked Siobhan Cottone, Lakeside’s Executive Director. “We came together to offer tweens a fun and safe environment to learn cool routines. To hang out with friends, and design a program that encourages young people to build self-confidence through performing in groups, and express themselves through dance and movement!” One of the stars of Hip Hop Explosion is lead dance instructor, Victor Lugo. Victor is in his 2nd year at Harper College where he is studying to become a nurse. Owner of Summers Academy of Dance, The Berkshire Ballet Theatre, and Advisor to the Harper College Dance and Pom team, Vicki Summers said, “To Victor, dance is not just moves; they are emotions and muscle reactions that come from music. Every move is natural and parallel to the music, and not only is he a talented dancer but he is a role model to the tweens who attend the event. They look up to him, learn, and have fun at the events because he is there!” The dance instructors from Harper College all volunteer their time and talents to teach at Hip Hop Explosion! Each event is documented by photographers Janet Kay and Stacy Pahl of from me 2 you photography. Kay and Pahl said, “We are impressed with the leadership and dedication of the Harper Dance Team and the positive role models they are for the children. Lakeside Legacy Arts Park provides a safe environment for the community to come together and connect through dance.  The energy is contagious!  We enjoy being a part of a program that serves the children of our community." For more information on Hip Hop Explosion and to purchase tickets in advance, visit www.LakesideLegacy.org or by calling 815-455-8000. The remaining fall dates for Hip Hop Explosion are October 18th and November 15th. Tickets are $6 and can be purchased at the door or online. Lakeside Legacy Foundation is a 501(c)3 charitable organization located at the Historic Dole Mansion at 401 Country Club Road in Crystal Lake, IL.