Melrose Dance Academy

History of Phunk Phenomenon In 1995, Reia Briggs-Connor ( former New England Patriot Cheerleader ) created R&B Entertainment, a full dance theater company. After three successful seasons as a Patriot Cheerleader, Mrs. Briggs-Connor returned to her professional dance and entertainment industry roots. Mrs. Briggs-Connor, a seasoned artist, has over 15 years of diverse entertainment and performance experience which includes the following: a recording contract with Cornell Brown and Maurice Starr of New Kids on the Block and performances with popular artists Bel Biv Devoe, Four Fun and Savion Glover. With the assistance of Corey Israel, ( long time Alvin Ailey student ) Ms. Briggs developed Phunk Phenomenon as a satellite of R&B Entertainment. Phunk Phenomenon is Boston's only full service dance and promotional arm. Composed of New England's ( the Tri-State area in particular ) finest male and female dance and promotional talent, the Phunk Phenomenon combines these unique multi-ethnic, multicultural urban artists to create a intriguing blend of modern and traditional dance styles. The end result is a provocative dance performance with a unique synthesis of style and appearance. And, Phunk Phenomenon's signature is its cross-cultural fusion of traditional, contemporary "street" dance formats with highlights of modern dance, ballet, tap and various music forms ( jazz, house, hip hop, tribal, and Latin ). Under girding the creative and artistic aspects of the performance is a bedrock of thought-provoking positive messages. As a multi-cultural organization that honors our diversity and celebrates our individual ethnic heritages, Phunk Phenomenon endeavors to promote community, ethnic and personal empowerment. Through its work, Phunk Phenomenon encourages individuals and communities to raise their unique 'voices and views' to create constructive changes personally, locally and globally. This type of social entrepreneurship is reflected in Phunk Phenomenon's mission, values and leadership.