Phunk Phenomenon WestCoast:
Over the years Phunk Phenomenon has cultivated many worldwide friendships & relationships. One such relationship began in 2006 between Phunk founder Reia Briggs Connor and Tara (Taz) Treacy (Streets Ahead) from Ireland when noted similarities between their styles of teaching, their ethos and their dancers were made although their dance studios existed 3000 miles apart i
n separate countries. Over the next 8years, The Ireland/Boston connection continued to build. Various members from Phunk Phenomenon visited Ireland to judge the Hip Hop International Irish National Championships and to teach workshops & Taz came to Boston to judge at Prelude New England in April 2014. When Taz moved to California, it was only a matter of time until the next step became clear...... PHUNK PHENOMENON WESTCOAST has arrived! The History Of Phunk Phenomenon:
In 1995, Reia Briggs-Connor (former New England Patriot Cheerleader) created R&B Entertainment, a full dance theater company. After three successful seasons as a Patriot Cheerleader, Mrs. Briggs-Connor returned to her professional dance and entertainment industry roots. Briggs-Connor, a seasoned artist, has over 15 years of diverse entertainment and performance experience which includes the following: a recording contract with Cornell Brown and Maurice Starr of New Kids on the Block and performances with popular artists Bel Biv Devoe, Four Fun and Savion Glover. With the assistance of Corey Israel, (long time Alvin Ailey student) Ms. Briggs developed Phunk Phenomenon as a satellite of R&B Entertainment. Phunk Phenomenon is Boston's only full service dance and promotional arm. Composed of New England's (the Tri-State area in particular) finest male and female dance and promotional talent, the Phunk Phenomenon combines these unique multi-ethnic, multicultural urban artists to create a intriguing blend of modern and traditional dance styles. The end result is a provocative dance performance with a unique synthesis of style and appearance. And, Phunk Phenomenon's signature is its cross-cultural fusion of traditional, contemporary "street" dance formats with highlights of modern dance, ballet, tap and various music forms (jazz, house, hip hop, tribal, and Latin). Under girding the creative and artistic aspects of the performance is a bedrock of thought-provoking positive messages. As a multi-cultural organization that honors our diversity and celebrates our individual ethnic heritages, Phunk Phenomenon endeavors to promote community, ethnic and personal empowerment. Through its work, Phunk Phenomenon encourages individuals and communities to raise their unique 'voices and views' to create constructive changes personally, locally and globally. This type of social entrepreneurship is reflected in Phunk Phenomenon's mission, values and leadership. He is the six year old son of Rick and Reia Connor owners of Phunk Phenomenon. Jared has been diagnosed with a rare disease know as Sanfilippo Syndrome. Children with Sanfilippo are missing an essential enzyme that breaks down a complex body sugar called heparin sulfate. These sugars slowly build up in the brain, stopping normal development and causing hyperactivity, sleep disorders, loss of speech, dementia and typically death before adulthood. There is no cure …. yet. Our mission and goals as Phunk Phenomenon member, dancers, and teachers is to raise as much awareness as we can about the rare disease. HIP HOP FOR HOPE has been a brand that we represent while teaching or performing using our dancing as a platform to shine as much light as we possibly can on this terrible disease. If you would like to help, or would like to inquire more information on Sanfilippo Syndrome and Jared please visit
http://www.jaredsfight.org/
