Our Mission
"Culture Shock® utilizes DANCE to cultivate education, entertainment, and empowerment to inspire positive change in the communities we serve.”
“We are a troupe of individuals who through the power of music and dance cultivate self-worth, dignity, and respect FOR ALL PEOPLE.”
VISION
Strive to be a positive, artistic resource by promoting a healthy, nonviolent, drug-free lifestyle, and cultural diversity through education and performance. Promote acceptance that transcends all barriers of age, ethnicity, race, and gender. Communicate and live our vision.
PURPOSE
The purpose of Culture Shock Las Vegas, Inc. (CSLV) is to provide dance training, educational, cultural, and community enrichment programs to all people, especially to underprivileged youth in Southern Nevada as well as engage in any other artistic activities.
BACKGROUND
With over twenty years in operation, Culture Shock Las Vegas is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) dance troupe and youth outreach program.
The company's ideology mirrors the original Culture Shock developed in 1993. Both organizations share a powerful vision to expand the opportunities of those less fortunate than themselves. Currently, there are six Culture Shock dance troupes in major cities throughout the United States and two in Canada. Founded in 1995 by fitness expert Darryl Thomas, Culture Shock Las Vegas is an offshoot of the Culture Shock San Diego dance troupe. Begun two years earlier, under the direction of Nike Fitness Trainer Angie Bunch, to combat the growing problems facing at-risk youth, Culture Shock San Diego used street dance to reach out to young people in steering them away from drugs, violence, and hatred, into a lifestyle which promotes acceptance, achievement, and self-confidence.
Culture Shock Las Vegas adopted these beliefs and has taken the idea to another level. The company recognizes its role as a leader in the community and pledges its commitment to the betterment of all people through education, fitness, dance, and improving the quality of our local youth.
INNOVATIVE PERFORMANCE
All of our dance troupes are committed to creating fresh, innovative choreography to keep the organization on the cutting edge of the dance community. We specialize in melding all styles of dance and break dancing to create its own brand of style. Our world-renowned Culture Shock® dance troupes have performed their groundbreaking choreography moves on stages all over the world. The troupes bring great value and depth to the artistic and cultural scene in the Las Vegas region.
ARTIST DEVELOPMENT
Culture Shock® LV inspires and empowers diverse members of our community to achieve artistic and personal excellence by providing innovative and progressive training, development, and performance opportunities in the art of all styles of dance. The organization provides intensive dance training for youths and adults alike. Weekly dance classes that are open to the public are taught by our own dancers as well as national and world-renowned guest choreographers. Adult Culture Shock® LV dancers also mentor those in the youth troupes to promote self-confidence and a positive body image.
COMMUNITY ENRICHMENT
Culture Shock® began its community outreach efforts by performing in schools to inspire and entertain future generations. Now outreach is one of the organization’s main tenets, with members teaching dance and giving complimentary performances to community organizations. Our members also lend a helping hand to public and non-profit organizations serving the needy in our community. Many of our troupes offer an alternative to street life by providing a rewarding physical activity, instilling confidence, and creating a positive and accepting environment where people can flourish.