Our national team just returned from an amazing week of netwerking, bonding, and training in New York. We attended 36 Chambaz of Stylz, a week long program with master classes from the innovators of the street styles, including Litefeet taught by NYC Program Manager Chrybaby Cozie, and a Chicago Footwork class taught by our Creative Director, King Charles.

It was an opportunity for our team, which is usually spread across 6 different cities, to get on the ground together and fully immerse ourselves in the NY dance culture and community. As King Charles reflected on the week he said, "Each city has a different dynamic and different necessities, so it was good to learn what NY needs and see what we can do to help them thrive." We also took the opportunity to visit with our current site partners such as Milbank Community Center, and King Towers "Identify the Lite" session to connect and gain more perspective on how we can deepen our programming to best support the community.

It wasn't all work either! We had so much fun! Between sessions, battles, and lots of good food, we built new friendships within the NY community, and bonded with the diverse group of dancers that were visiting from all around the world. Co-Chicago Program Manager, Jasmine, said, "It was fun to eat and get to have down time as well to meet new people and grow existing connections."

Our Los Angeles Program Manager, Kelsie, was especially inspired by the Litefeet community. She said, "My favorite moments were HypeGirl's Litefeet class, and Chrybaby's "Identify the Lite" session. Both had such a contagious positive energy, and it was inspiring see all of the dancers who showed up to learn not only the movement, but also the culture and history of Litefeet."

Executive Director, Kelli Forman, and Creative Director, King Charles, were also able to connect with our mentors at the Dance Education Laboratory, meet with site partners and donors, and talk in depth with community leaders about their vision for the city. Kelli said, "I loved spending time with our team, laughing and creating memories. I also definitely enjoyed meeting with our amazing grant writer, interviewing HRockz, a legendary Harlem Litefeet music producer, for the New Music USA grant that our team just received, as well as battling all weekend in the Step Ya Game Up House category."

We are already counting down the days until we can all get together again!