History of PE

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In 1981, at the ages of eleven and nine, Kevin Joseph and Lakai Worrell met at a community center in East New York, Brooklyn while competing in a “breaking” and “popping” Hip Hop dance competition. Little did they know that this dance battle would be the impetus of their long term friendship and business partnership. In the ‘80s, East New York was considered an urban “war zone, and crime, drugs and prostitution invaded their community. At the same time, Hip Hop dance and culture were vastly emerging as the young men’s savior from daily violent encounters and temptations.

Once in college, Kevin and Lakai found that dance proved to be more than just a hobby, but a tool of spiritual enhancement and personal development. Once realizing their inevitable venture into formal dance training, they encountered master teachers, artists and institutions that crystallized their belief that dance was in fact as serious as life itself. Along with that commitment, desire, and with Jamel Gaines, they dedicated fourteen years of their lives in developing and being co-founders of Creative Outlet Dance Theatre of Brooklyn.

While continuing their growth as artists, directors and men, Kevin and Lakai were moved to fulfill their next vision; the birth of a new performing arts organization that reflected their artistic voice, spoke to the social issues of their community and, ideally, touch the world-at-large.

The decision was made and Purelements: An Evolution in Dance was born in August 2006. In just three short years, the company has laid the foundation for a long future.

Accomplishments:

  • Received rave reviews in The New York Times, Village Voice, News 12 Brooklyn and other national and local media
  • Professional Company performed at major New York City events, festivals and venues including Celebrate Brooklyn, The Kumble Theater for the Performing Arts and the International African Arts Festival (IAAF)
  • Students performed at the UniverSoul Circus, Great Adventures, Red Hook Arts Festival, and the Stay In School Cultural Education Concert
  • Served more than 10,000 New York City students through partnerships with the Department of Education and the Bedford YMCA
  • Sponsored by the US Embassy in El Salvador and invited by the Orchestra Sinfonica Juvenile De El Salvador (Youth Symphony Orchestra of El Salvador) to perform a musical-theater Broadway adaptation of Andrew Lloyd Weber's selected music
  • Received funding from Brooklyn Arts Council, Council Member Charles Barron, Abbot Virology, the New York City Department of Youth and Community Development (DYCD)