In recent years, dance has become one of televisions new entertainment heavyweights as several popular shows such as “Dancing with the Stars”, So You Think You Can Dance” and MTV’s “America’s Best Dance Crew” have brought some of the best dance talent together to compete in a number of dance styles and formats. Of the three, MTV’s popular television show “America’s Best Dance Crew” produced by American Idol’s Randy Jackson, has set a new standard in Hip-Hop talent by featuring street dance crews from all over the US. As a result, overall interest in learning how to dance or participation in dance competitions and productions has increased significantly. In particular, Hip-Hop and its various street styles have become the dance of choice for most kids. These high energy, acrobactic free style forms of dance are both entertaining and challenging. Examples can be seen on youtube and on “America’s Best Dance Crew’s” website (http://www.mtv.com/shows/dance_crew/season_5/series.jhtml) Dance companies and studios that provide Hip-Hop instruction have seen an increase in overall participation in the US and the Southern Kentucky region is no exception.

One studio in the southern Kentucky region, the Southern Kentucky Dance Center, (formally known as the Kristin Hickman Dancers), has taught tap, jazz, lyrical and Hip-Hop to kids from the age of 3 to adults. SKYdc, as it is referred to, is located in Franklin, Kentucky. Each year, SKYdc performs their annual production in Bowling Green. This year, SKYdc will be hosting their 2010 dance production “Showdown” at the newly renovated Van Meter Auditorium on the campus of Western Kentucky University, Friday, June 11th and Saturday, June 12th, starting at 7 pm. This years show will feature one of the Season 4 finalists from MTV’s America’s Best Dance Crew, “Southern Movement”. http://www.mtv.com/shows/dance_crew/season_4/crews.jhtml. Southern Movement will present 2 pieces, one featuring the “ABDC Five” and the second featuring the entire cast of 20 dancers, known as “Southern Movement Dance Company”. This professional group performs all over the United States and abroad. “Showdown” promises to be a high energy show featuring dancers from the age of 3 to adults. Tickets are $10 in advance and $12 at the door. For advance tickets call 270-943-4205.