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Showdown L.A.: Jerkin’ crews duke it out

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On Saturday the Los Angeles Convention Center will swell with teenagers clad in skinny jeans and neon T-shirts ready to battle. This is not your typical uniform for a fight, and the “battle” doesn’t involve fists but rather the fancy footwork of jerkin’ crews flaunting their skills and fresh street style.

Forty dance crews will be competing for the title of NJA (National Jerkin’ Assn.) L.A. Champion.

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Jerkin’ is the hip-hop infused, Los Angeles-based dance/music/style phenomenon that has become a growing movement for the younger generation. With the assist of tools like YouTube and Myspace, the laptop-created beats and street-crafted dance moves have blown up virally, showing up on kids’ computer screens up and down the nation.

Here at All the Rage, we are taking notice because of the influence these young mavericks are having on teen clothing, with their new, colorful take on urban styles.

At Showdown L.A., the jerkin’ crews will dip, spin and flail their limbs for trophies, shoes, apparel and cash. Expect jerkin’ Internet stars like the Ranger$, YT, UCLA Jerk Kingz, Pink Dollaz and Indigo Unchained, among others. The New Boyz are also slated to roll by and show their support, along with hip-hop celebs like Lil’ Mama.

Aptly the event is sponsored by downtown-based Vlado Footwear, the creator of the Spectro shoes made specifically for jerkin’. The Los Angeles Clippers have also gotten in on the event, promising a family affair, as well as a ball game after the Showdown. A ticket to Saturday’s Los Angeles Clippers game is included with the purchase of a ticket for the first 1,000 buyers.

Along with DJs and rounds of musical performances, Future Heretics, NJA Skinny Jeans, American Apparel and Vlado Footwear will be on hand, showingcasing the latest in jerkin’ fashion.
The founder of Vlado Footwear, Jill Kim, sees the event as an opportunity for local kids to show off their talent.

“We are not only bringing the families together for some great entertainment, but also for education and awareness into a very creative new and positive culture,” Kim says.

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Showdown L.A. Saturday, 9 a.m.-6 p.m. All ages. Presale, $20, on-site $25, V.I.P $100. vladofootwear.com.

Proceeds from the event will go to the Los Angeles Covenant House, an organization that assists homeless youth.

--Sophia Kercher

RELATED STORY: Jerkin’ is workin’ for ’em

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