At the ages of eleven and nine, Kevin Joseph and Lakai Worrell met in 1981 in an East New York, Brooklyn community center while competing in a dance form known then as "breaking" and "popping". That battle was the initiation of a long term friendship founded on the principal of dance. At that time, East New York was considered an urban "war zone". Crime, drugs, and prostitution surrounded their community while simultaneously Hip Hop culture and dance emerged to become their savior from daily violent encounters and temptations. Later, along with college life, came new friends and new adventures, and dance proved to be more than just a hobby for Kevin and Lakai, but a tool of spiritual enhancement. 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 co-founder Jamel Gaines, they dedicated fourteen years of their lives developing 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 organization, while exploring art that could further the evolution of a community, and ideally touch the world at large. The decision was made… and Purelements: An Evolution in Dance was born.

The History of Purelements