As Canberra’s first hip-hop dance and choreographic development program, Fresh Funk has paved the way for young dancers to learn, explore and create in hip-hop and contemporary dance styles for over two decades. It has brought hip-hop dance choreography into popular culture and offered a valuable dance experience, teaching not only great moves and discipline but also acceptance and the importance of community connectedness for thousands of dancers.
Unique projects such as the Young Choreographers Initiative have also offered young people the opportunity to explore self-expression through dance, build social cohesion, and develop their artistic practice.
Many of Fresh Funk’s dancers have gone on to establish professional dance careers worldwide and many many more have evolved into confident, creative individuals as a result of their participation in this special program.
Between its fun-filled classes, large-scale shows, competitive crews, overseas tours, additional development opportunities and guest choreographers, Fresh Funk is an unstoppable force that continues to grow and thrive, with new faces combining with a legacy of long-term committed role models.
Fresh Funk has an incredible team, vibe and energy – it is a very special place to dance.
Success Stories
Sam Young-Wright, Sydney Dance Company
Sam Young-Wright began dancing with Fresh Funk when he was 11 years old. His skill and passion were evident early on and he began training in other complementary styles such as contemporary and ballet, with goals of becoming a professional dancer.
After college, Sam was accepted into the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts for a dance degree. In 2014, Sam was named part of the Sydney Dance Company. After 5 years, he is now a professional choreographer and dancer in Germany, touring the world regularly. An amazing performer, Sam has been told his hip-hop dance skills gave him an ‘edge’ when it came to auditions. ‘Fresh Funk was such a great start for me,’ Sam says. ‘It is where I realized that dance was more than a hobby, it was my passion and could become my career.’
David McLean, Dream Dance Company
Fresh Funk dancer and tutor David McLean won a major competition in 2014 that took him to Los Angeles. Dave was selected to join the crew of one of the world’s leading urban choreographers, Rob Rich.
He received an all-expenses paid trip to travel and work with the Richboyz crew, doing intensive training with some of the world’s top choreographers.
Up against hundreds of other dancers competing from around the globe, Dave’s win demonstrates the world-class quality of performers coming out of the Fresh Funk program.
‘I would never be where I am without the opportunities and experiences Fresh Funk has given me,’ Dave says. ‘It has provided me with the best possible platform for dancing and is an amazing support base for me, personally.’
Feedback
The last year has been an extremely tough year for my daughter, dealing with anxiety, depression and an eating disorder. Fresh Funk is what keeps her going. It is why she gets up, knowing that at the end of the day she has something to look forward to. I know that it wouldn’t be the same environment at other dance studios. The Fresh Funk tutors do more than just teach kids how to dance and be confident. For my daughter they are literally a life-line. I am so grateful.
Fresh Funk parent, Kathy
I absolutely love being a part of the Fresh Funk family. Everyone is so supportive and loving. We push each other to be better and stronger. The tutors and the overall environment has so much to offer. The shows are such great experiences. They have really helped me to come out of my shell and taught me so much.
Fresh Funk participant, Carly
Being a part of the Fresh Funk student body and tutor team has allowed me to express myself honestly and creatively. The Tuggeranong Arts Centre is a safe place, free from judgement, and the Fresh Funk program promotes and encourages those traits within all of us, that may not be considered the social norm—Fresh Funk nurtures individuality. Through dance we explore social issues affecting youth everywhere, the most important ones being self-confidence and self-respect.
Fresh Funk tutor, David