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'More Dance, Less Hate' Show in Louisville Encourages Break Dancing Over Violence

World-class break dancers and graffiti artists will participate in an event this weekend aimed at reducing neighborhood violence.The More Dance, Less Hatetour kicks off in Louisville on Saturday at the Tim Faulkner Gallery in the Portland neighborhood. The event begins at 3 p.m. and will include  a break dancing competition featuring Guatemalan dancers from Louisville filmmaker Coury Deeb’s documentary, ­"B-Boy For Life."  Related: Strange Fruit Podcast's 2013 Interview With DeebHere is a trailer of the documentary.Deeb's  film highlights the struggle of avoiding gang life in South America through dance.On Wednesday, Deeb said  hip-hop culture can have a positive influence on communities, and Saturday's event will be an example.“There is no corniness to what we are doing,” he said.  “These are hip-hop guys who aren’t violent, that have fun doing it and express themselves outside of the stereotypical hip hop image.”Guatemalan dancer Cheez and Gato will meet fans and look to engage with at-risk youth.  Deeb said the dancers have already performed impromptu shows around Louisville at coffeeshops, community centers and on the street.(For a look at what Cheez and Gato have been up to during their time in Louisville, visit Deeb's Twitter page.)During More Dance, Less Hate, dance crews from around the U.S. are scheduled to compete for $1,000 in prize money.  Deeb said top break dancers from Chicago, St. Louis, Indianapolis and Atlanta  are expected to participate.The event is free and will be family-friendly, organizers said.  The break dance competition will begin at 3 p.m. with registration prior.  Dance lessons will also be available.DJs will be playing music throughout the night and Louisville hip-hop artist Jalin Roze will also be performing.

Jacob Ryan is the managing editor of the Kentucky Center for Investigative reporting. He's an award-winning investigative reporter who joined LPM in 2014. Email Jacob at jryan@lpm.org.