In the tradition of 鈥楤lock Party鈥� culture that gave birth to hip hop in the 1960s and 鈥�70s, when small communities gathered on the streets of New York to celebrate an important event together, Hip Hop Coalition presents its annual student showcase, June 15 and 16.

In its third year, Hip Hop Coalition has grown to over 200 students at its Courtenay studio.

Students from age 3 to 50 will be burning up the dance floor and showing off their mad dance skills at their year-end showcase.

Owner/choreographer Anna Mayo couldn鈥檛 be happier.

鈥淲e鈥檝e had an amazing year,鈥� she said. 鈥淚鈥檓 thrilled to have so many new and returning students who are interested in this dynamic style of dance. They have been working hard all year and I know they are going to deliver a show that will bring down the house!鈥�

Community, inclusivity, and fun are at the core of this unique dance school鈥檚 philosophy. In support of that ideal, Hip Hop Coalition does not sell tickets to the shows but invites family, friends, and the Comox Vally community to attend, by donation, on a 鈥減ay what you can鈥� principle.

To make that possible, private sponsors assist with part of the costs of producing the show. Jamie Edwards Personal Real Estate Corporation and Apple Naturopathic Clinic are in their second year as title sponsors.

鈥淚t鈥檚 a unique idea,鈥� said Dr. Erika Kneeland, owner of Apple Naturopathic. 鈥淚 like it because it really demonstrates the vision of keeping it accessible and sharing a fun event together.鈥�

鈥淭here鈥檚 such great energy to the shows, it鈥檚 like a party,鈥� said Edwards. 鈥淣ot to mention both of my daughters and my wife will be performing 鈥�,鈥� he adds with a wink.

鈥淲e are so grateful to all our sponsors for recognizing the opportunity to create something inclusive that welcomes our whole community,鈥� added Mayo. 鈥淲e hope you鈥檒l come check it out!鈥�

Showtimes:

Saturday, June 15, 6 p.m. and Sunday, June 16, 1 p.m.

@ Ecole Au coeur-de-l鈥檌le gymnasium

566 Linshart Road, Comox

For more information: hiphopcoalition@gmail.com