welcome to urban artistry

It is true that every person has a beginning; at least one culture rich in history, instruments, movement and visual art that support that truth.
--Junious "House" Brickhouse, Founder/Executive Director

We are the growing reflections of the street legends, strangers, and visionaries who had a story to tell about their cultures in hope that someone would see, remember, and hear their voices. Paying tribute to those that came before, has been a mission for Founder/ Executive Director Junious "House" Brickhouse from the very beginning of his dream. First, this journey had to begin with a breath of honesty. Junious had to look deeper than Hip-Hop Culture to see the many genres of movement that have their own cultures, with different types of music that shared a common understanding. Years of research opened the doors to a wealth of historical content, vocabulary in movement, along with the freedom to diversify. With this, came Urban Artistry and the principals below that these members have come to follow in their daily lives.

• To become better artists we have a responsibility to remember the legends we shadow.
• Continuously educate one self while actively participating in the culture of others.
• Honor the traditions of a culture to ensure historical preservation and growth.
• Make your own contributions in a positive, respectful way.

Urban Artistry's core group consists of an international collective of artists, dancers, orators, designers, vocalists, musicians, photographers and educators, who remain focused on the authentic and complete representation of urban dance genres. They include (but are not limited to): B-Boying / B-Girling , Popping, Locking, Hip-Hop, House Dance, Waacking, and Vogue. Although the members of Urban Artistry are strongly diverse in their education of the urban arts, they remain humble understanding that they are merely shadows of many legends who paved a path through their celebration of the African, Latin, Happy Feet, Lindy, Caribbean Movement, Martial Arts and American Social Dances that have influenced the movement now referred to as Urban Dance.

UA recognizes that progress occurs through mastering the basics and foundational techniques of a dance, which thus enables artists to be unlimited in their potential. Utilizing universal movement from the past as a basis for expanding the ability of artists allows for innovative responses to the changes in personal, societal and cultural arts environments.

Since its establishment in 2005, Urban Artistry has humbly presented the international dance and arts communities with a renewed perspective on urban dance and arts. Drawing from the creativity of its founders, directors and international roster of members and affiliates, Urban Artistry has grown from the vision of one, to the mission of many.

Though UA promotes education in foundational movement and history, these culturalists operate from the understanding that- culture is not stagnant; it is a living breathing entity that accepts change. However, growth does not mean one has to forget where they come from.