Slip-N-Slide founder Ted Lucas says: "I remember when we had breakdancing. We used to go to the youth fair and go have a real breakdancing contest." So he used to be a breakdancer? "I did a little something, man. I ain't saying I was a professional."
Today, Ted wants to give back to the community by hosting a peaceful body-popping battle called Stop the Violence and Dance. The grand prize: A $2000 cash prize and a starring role in an upcoming Trina video.
Just a couple of days ago, Ted talked about positivity, finding new talent, and helping kids achieve their dreams. We listened and took notes.
New Times: So what's this event all about?
Ted Lucas: Man, basically we trying to stop the violence. You see what's going on with these kids in our communities. We trying to keep their minds occupied and let 'em get a chance to show they talents.
How'd the idea come about?
I had a young man that came to me with the idea. His name is Reggie Saunders. It was him and Trina, who is my artist and she's got the Diamond Doll Foundation. And by helping the dance group be in the next video, we try to support the community any way possible.
Is this just a way to make money?
No. Matter fact, ten percent of all the proceeds go the African Heritage Cultural Arts Center. We not trying to make a profit. I'm definitely putting money from the Ted Lucas Foundation to put this on. And there's defintely a $2000 cash prize to the winning dance team. It's eight dance groups that's competing for a $2000 reward and a chance to be in Trina's next video.
What's up with Trina?
She's working on a new album right now. Probably come out March of next year.
So the winner of this contest might be able to come up a lot of different ways?
Never know. Someone might see them dancing in Trina's video and might want them in their video.
What else will be going on at the event?
We're also giving opportunities to our spoken-word people. There's gonna be poetry too.
Why'd you choose a dance contest?
I support a lot of football, basketball ... Dance is another chance for people to have another form of expressing their feelings and letting 'em out.
And there will be celebrity guests there?
We got Flo Rida, definitely Trina, a lot of local people ... 99 Jamz, Sweet Talk, and a lot of good people that we feel good about and that we happy about.
What motivates you to make this happen?
My mom raised me. My dad was incarcerated. Just want these kids out here to know that somebody care. I do a lot of community work, after-school programs. I spend a lot of time visiting schools. I was one of those kids at one time that was told that they would not graduate and would not make it. I wanna make sure that we reach somebody that maybe never got a chance. They might be on [BET's] 106 [& Park] next week from this.
Maybe you'll even see some talent there yourself?
We are a full-fledged entertainment company. You know, I might see someone great and send 'em to performing arts school.
Is this a one-time thing? Or you plan for it to keep growing?
We gonna do this every year and we expect it to get bigger and bigger going down the line.
You got a message for the kids out there?
You gotta get out there and let people see what talent you have. Just come with your best and start practicing. We trying to keep it
clean, this not no X-rated thing. It's very professional. We wanna see somebody come
out of this, get a scholarship, and continue to fulfill their career.
And what else does Slip-N-Slide have going on?
We are an entertainment company. We got boxing, MMA promoting, venturing off to all different things. We don't wanna be in a box. We got concerts coming at the end of the year and we feel real good about it man. We got Slip-N-Slide DJs all around the country.
We have different sites like thug.com. We do online marketing for different brands.
Stop the Violence and Dance. Saturday, November 20. Joseph Caleb Center, 5400 NW 22nd Ave., Miami. Tickets cost $11 in advance and $20 at the door. Visit stoptheviolenceanddance.com.
