Montreal, Canada, July 7, 2023 — The third edition of the “Call Them Out” circuit, a series of street dance competitions organized by two young Montrealers, Marine Coeurdassier and Pierre Lam, in partnership with Chantiers jeunesse, an organization that supports young volunteers in implementing projects with social impact, will take place this summer at Jean-Brillant Park and Chalet Kent on July 9, 16, and 23.
Pierre and Marine are two dedicated street dancers in their community. They aim to create innovative, unique, and inclusive events to support the next generation of street dance. Marine has a Bachelor’s degree in cultural action, and Pierre has a background in leisure techniques. Both have over 5 years of experience in event management and street dance. They partnered in 2020 during the pandemic and have already successfully organized two editions of the “Call Them Out” circuit, demonstrating its success and their motivation to continue the project for a third consecutive year.
Testimonials from a former participant:
IRA, dancer: “It was the first time I participated in a street dance battle, and definitely not the last! The proposed concept allowed me to overcome my fear of dancing in public. It was a magnificent event! I was honored to participate!”
An Inclusive Competition to Demystify Stereotypes
The “Call Them Out” circuit is a series of street dance events that aims to be both intergenerational and inclusive, primarily encouraging and valuing the next generation of street dancers within the city. Its objective is also to allow the public to discover hip-hop culture through free competitions open to all, focusing on celebrating the diversity of Montreal. This visibility can help demystify and dismantle negative stereotypes while highlighting the spirit of solidarity, mutual support, and respect present in hip-hop culture. It is a highly multicultural and intergenerational subculture that knows no boundaries and exists worldwide.
Furthermore, street dance is a form of expression that channels energy and often addresses deep discomfort experienced by young people through constructive artistic forms of self-improvement and connection with others. These dances break social isolation, encourage academic perseverance, and increase a sense of belonging and self-esteem within a safe and non-judgmental space.
The project is focused on equity, inclusion, and accessibility with the aim of attracting participants from the peripheral and disadvantaged neighborhoods of Montreal, particularly the Côte-des-Neiges neighborhood. The “Call Them Out” circuit addresses the challenges of representing cultural diversity in Montreal’s artistic and cultural circles by reaching out to young people from diverse ethnic, socio-economic, and other backgrounds. Thus, young people from these disadvantaged backgrounds have the opportunity to perform at a professional level by participating in free events that resonate with them.
The “Call Them Out” model revolves around “junior” (less than 5 years of experience) and “senior” (more than 5 years of experience) categories, making participation more equitable and accessible. This is another important aspect since street dance competitions generally have categories based on dance style and age (under or over 18 years old), which can discourage amateurs who want to try their luck for the first time. The proposed concept creates a fairer and less intimidating space, encouraging the participation of emerging young dancers (those participating in a freestyle duel for the first time or with little experience).
Testimony from organizer Marine Coeurdassier:
“Dance has had a significant impact on my life and the lives of the dancers I know. It allows us to step out of our comfort zones, discover ourselves on a personal level, grow, meet new people, increase self-esteem, and develop a sense of belonging to a welcoming community free of discrimination. Thus, young people have the opportunity to perform at a professional level by participating in free events that resonate with them.”
This project is carried out on a voluntary basis and financially supported by the organization Chantiers jeunesse through the Accelerators for Social Impact program, funded by Youth Service Canada, to support community projects of engaged young people across Canada.
For more information, visit: https://www.instagram.com/rca_events/
- July 9 at Jean-Brillant Park from 1 PM to 7 PM: Call Them Out 2023 – Break 2 VS 2 – Hip Hop 2 VS 2
- July 16 at Jean-Brillant Park from 1 PM to 7 PM: Call Them Out 2023 – Krump 2 VS 2 – Popping 2 VS 2
- July 23 at Chalet Kent from 2 PM to 7 PM: Call Them Out 2023 – All Styles 2 VS 2
