News: Hip hop dancers hoping to hop a jet to Vegas

Published in the July 6 2010 issue of The Edmonton Sun. News


Hip hop dancers hoping to hop a jet to Vegas

LINDA HOANG
Edmonton Sun

A local all-female dance crew is hoping to fly to the top of the hip-hop dance world later this month — but they need some help from Edmontonians.

Hip-hop crew Fly Girlz, based in Edmonton, are the first dance group in Alberta to qualify to compete at the World Hip Hop Dance Championships, but there’s one problem — the cost to fly the seven dancers down to the U.S.

“Basically we need over $10,000,” said crew member Asha Marshall, 24, who has been with the Fly Girlz for two years.

“It’s a really big opportunity to go. This is a big deal in the hip-hop world. It’s really respected,” Marshall said.

Including round-trip airfare, accommodations and other expenses, the costs might keep the seven-member group grounded, but not if they can help it.

The crew, which has been performing, teaching and competing in the Edmonton area since 2003, is holding a fundraiser on Thursday to help raise money to cover the costs of the trip.

“We are very proud to be from Edmonton and we just want to do well for our country and show what kind of talent we have, Edmonton in particular, and really put this city on the map,” said four-year member Minh-Thu Lam, 21.

The 9th annual World Hip Hop Dance Championships takes place in Las Vegas from July 28 until Aug 1.

More than 2,000 dancers from over 30 countries worldwide are set to gather at the global dance competition.

Fly Girlz are one of only two Canadian crews competing in the adult division. The other adult crew is from Montreal.

Their fundraiser begins at 9 p.m. Thursday at Diesel Ultra Lounge, 11845 Wayne Gretzky Dr.

Tickets are $20 and donations will be taken at the event.

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