After a 20-Year Battle, Urban Dance History is Finally Validated for the First Time in Oakland

    NORTHRIDGE, CA, February 22, 2013 /24-7PressRelease/ -- This event (March 9, 2013) is the first time that a museum will recognize this previously unacknowledged part of American history as documented by Thomas Guzman-Sanchez. It will include historical artifacts from Chain Reaction and other legendary OG (original generation) street dance groups that are responsible for the worldwide phenomenon commonly yet incorrectly referred to as "Hip Hop dance." African American Museum and Library at Oakland Chief curator Rick Moss will be presenting the new exhibit that credits Oakland as a birthplace of one of the many key parts of this urban dance history. Following the exhibit will be the premier of the feature documentary "Underground Dance Masters". The film and book, compiled over a twenty-year span, celebrate the history and the dancers that have contributed to this true American creation. Thomas along with his co-producer and brother Paul Guzman-Sanchez will be in attendance to introduce the film. After the screening Thomas will then participate in a lecture/Q&A and book signing. Many other legendary street dancers from Oakland who are featured in the film and book will be in attendance to celebrate this historical recognition.

"Thomas Guzman-Sanchez has created a powerful work that not only shows you where the origin of the moves came from, but solidifies a much earned place in Dance History for its inventors and dance groups." said Kenny Ortega Director/Choreographer of "This Is It" and "High School Musical" about the worldwide release of the new book. Author Thomas Guzman-Sanchez, considered one of the greatest street dancers in history, has spent 20 years getting the story right. What started in 1993 has led Thomas on an incredible journey from surviving a kidnap attempt in Paris; physical attacks in New York, to death threats to him and his family.

The author weaves the history, origin, diasporas and evolution of this true American creation, clarifying and validating for the first time the different dance forms that make up Urban Dance. He has brought together every legendary urban street dancer responsible for inventing and innovating what has become a worldwide phenomenon. Numerous universities have adopted his study. Anthropologist Joan Erdman PhD says, "Thomas is the worlds leading authority on Urban Dance History and Anthropology". The author has received top academic awards from several Universities and is also a proud member of the board of advisers for the American Heritage Dictionary. He is responsible for 23 new words and definitions in the new American vernacular.
http://www.dancemaster.com

Event Location: 659 14th St, Oakland, CA 94612
Event Date and Times:
March 9, 2013 @ 5pm Unveil New Exhibit, 6pm Premier of "Underground Dance Masters" Documentary, 7pm Lecture/Q&A followed by book signing.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1lMpoU4i1uM

Available for interviews, please contact: Publicist - 818-727-1979

Open to the public. All are invited and admission is free.

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