”STOMP IN DETROIT” PRO HIP HOP DANCE CONVENTION

Appearing will be Actor/Dancer, DARRIN HENSON from “Stomp the Yard”
Dancer/Choreographer, LAURIE ANN GIBSON from MTV’s “Making the Band”

Toni’s Dance Company, Inc. (TDC), a professional dance agency incorporated in 2005, is on a mission to create opportunities for aspiring dancers in Detroit. TDC will hold it’s “Stomp in Detroit” Professional Hip Hop Dance Convention Sunday, June 10, 2007 in Southfield. This event is open to children ages 3 and up to adults, from beginners to advanced dancers and instructors.

Co-sponsors and community partners for this community event include: Detroit Dance Network; Detroit Department of Health and Wellness Promotion; Darrin’s Dance Grooves; and Be Discovered of Toronto;. The goal of this event is to bring elements of the professional hip hop dance industry to aspiring dancers in Detroit with two of the most popular, sought-after dancers in the world, DARRIN HENSON and LAURIE ANN GIBSON.

Events for “Stomp in Detroit” will include dance workshops open to the public at the Franklin Athletic Club in Southfield, and will be instructed by celebrity choreographers. MTV Award-Winning Choreographer and Acclaimed Actor, DARRIN HENSON from the hit movie, “Stomp the Yard,” will instruct a master hip hop class along with Dance Director of Motown Records and Bad Boy Records from MTV’s “Making the Band,” LAURIE ANN GIBSON. Both stars will engage with the dancers in a Q&A Panel, and Autograph and Photograph Session after the workshops. Talent scouts in search of new faces will be scouting dancers at the event. Top dancers will have the opportunity to compete for two $500 scholarships awarded by TDC, which will fund the “Summer in L.A.” dance program. There are limited spots available. The children’s workshop is 1 - 4pm and the teen/adult workshop is 3 - 8pm. Registration begins Friday, May 18, 2007 at www.tonisdancecompany.com or by calling 248-320-8479.

Long time dancer, Toni Webb, CEO and Director of Toni’s Dance Company, Inc., started the company after college when she found she no longer had an outlet for dancing in her hometown. Having danced since she was a child in several dance studios, school curriculums and extracurricular teams, she later set a goal to start a dance company that would offer opportunities for seasoned dancers in Detroit, rather than forcing them to relocate to other cities for the same opportunities.

TDC aims to gain exposure and bring national attention to Detroit’s talented dancers. Webb says, “So much talent exists in Detroit, but is underrepresented due to limited opportunities here. TDC is dedicated to bringing L.A. and New York choreographers to Detroit to show our dance community here that a career in professional dance is attainable and to provide the in’s and out’s of the industry straight from the mouths of the most famous dancers in the world. We have helped create a strong foundation for aspiring dancers in Detroit and our hope is that the most talented will go on to become great dancers one day.”

TDC Dancers have already graced several stages with performances in many high-caliber events in Detroit including: Superbowl XL Half-time Show at Ford Field, Karmanos Breast Cancer Foundation fundraiser, Fireball 2006 at the Charles Wright Museum, RIZE Bounce to the Beat Dance Competition (1st Place Winners), And 1 Mixtape Tour at Cobo Hall, recording artist backup dance and choreography, and much more. The dancers are also contracted with the 21st Century After-School Program in Detroit where they instruct junior high students in dance. Look out for this new up-and-coming dance agency this summer.

Toni’s Dance Company is a professional dance agency that provides dance education and instruction within the community, as well as entertainment for various events throughout Detroit and beyond including: Corporate events, weddings, recording artist backup, fashion shows, commercials, film/TV, videos, plays, sports events, concerts and more. For booking info or auditions, contact TDC at (248) 320-8479 or visit www.tonisdancecompany.com.