Oakland, Calif. – October 18, 2017: Jack London Square is home to the final round of the Oakland grown, urban dance competition Turfin vs. the World Dance Battle III. The family friendly festival is Saturday, Oct. 21, noon to 7 p.m. It is free and open to the public.
“I’m excited to bring turfing, an urban dance style that started right here in Oakland, to Jack London Square,” said TURFinc founder Johnny Lopez. “The Oakland waterfront is a great place for the community to enjoy watching these aspiring dancers demonstrate their skill.” Lopez explained that TURFinc provides a platform for dancers to develop their ability and the opportunity to audition for jobs as performers in commercials, concerts, music videos, and private events.
The Festival at the Square includes turfing competitions, live music, dance workshops and local eats and vendors. With Halloween coming up, there will be a costume contest as part of the event.
The competitions include the top 16 preselected street dancers for a tag term tournament who will battle it out for the title of King or Queen of the TURFinc championship. In addition to the invite-only dance battles, there will be a separate tag-team competition open to the public to participate the day of the event ($10 registration fee per dancer). Event organizer Mr. Lopez said that competitors are coming from California, Texas, New York, Florida and Japan.
Turf dancing is a combination of breakdance, boogaloo, footwork, house dance, mime, and storytelling. The art form developed in Oakland in the 1990s as an urban dance style and a cultural movement.
There are 55 free public events throughout the year in Jack London Square.
Please go here to see all of the activities offered at the Oakland waterfront or call (510) 645-9292. Transportation options to the Square include the Alameda/SF Bay Ferry, public transit, biking, walking and driving. For directions to Jack London Square, please go here.
About the Port of Oakland
The Port of Oakland oversees the Oakland seaport, Oakland International Airport, and 20 miles of waterfront including Jack London Square. Together with its business partners, the Port supports more than 73,000 jobs in the region and nearly 827,000 jobs across the United States. Connect with the Port of Oakland and Oakland International Airport through Facebook, or with the Port on Twitter, YouTube, and at www.portofoakland.com.
| Media Contacts: Marilyn Sandifur Port Spokesperson Port of Oakland (510) 627-1193 Click here to contact Marilyn Sandifur Mike Zampa Communications Director Port of Oakland (510) 627-1565 [email protected] |