St. Petersburg, Fla. (June 5, 2017) – For the first time ever, dance superstars and online sensations WilldaBeast (“So You Think You Can Dance” choreographer; 2.6 million followers), Nia Sioux (“Dance Moms”; 5.8 million followers), Kenneth San Jose (685K followers), and Janelle Ginestra (587K followers) will join forces and hit the road in a brand new live dance show #FOLLOWME. The tour stops at the Duke Energy Center for the Arts – Mahaffey Theater on Sunday, Aug. 13 at 3 p.m.
#FOLLOWME is an electrifying live dance show celebrating the hip-hop dance community – inspiring dancers to step into the spotlight, and get the incredible opportunity to see, dance, and interact with their YouTube dance idols. Each of the headliners will have moments throughout the show to highlight their singular style and performance skills, incorporating their greatest hits with never before seen dances and songs.
Featuring cutting edge technology, fans will get to interact digitally and physically with the headliners prior to and during the show, with the ultimate prize being a featured position in #FOLLOWME’s explosive dance finale. The choreography for the finale will be released over social media for audience members to learn ahead of time, and select lucky fans will be chosen from video submissions to get the opportunity of a lifetime – to dance with their idols on stage.
With over 1.9 million YouTube subscribers, dancer-choreographer-entrepreneur Will “WilldaBeast” Adams started his career as a dancer and quickly became in-demand for recording artists such as Usher, Madonna, The Black Eyed Peas and for guest spots on TV (“Glee”). WilldaBeast recently launched his own dance company immaBEAST, which has become one of the leading brands, companies, and influences in the hip hop dance world, and has choreographed for T-Pain, “So You Think You Can Dance” on FOX, Nike, and many more.
Nia Sioux’s career ignited the moment viewers caught a glimpse of her dancing on the smash hit Lifetime reality TV show, “Dance Moms.” Seven seasons later, Nia has earned an immense online following (over 4 million on Instagram) and has flexed her artistic muscles by launching a music and acting career. #FOLLOWME will be the first opportunity for her fans to see her performing all of her skill sets in a live performance tour.
Fifteen-year-old dance phenom Kenneth San Jose has appeared in commercials and videos for Kidz Bop, ABC Mouse, the 2015 Radio Disney Music Awards, performed live at the 2015 Radio Disney Music Awards and has racked up a following of over 400k followers on Instagram. He is part of the boy dance group “Boy Squad.”
Dancer-choreographer-“creative being” Janelle Ginestra, an executive team member of immaBEAST, has been dancing and performing since she was 2 years old. Nominated for “Best Dance Video” at the BET Awards, Janelle is a rising star in the industry having worked with Beyonce, Jason Derulo, J.Lo and more.
Tickets, $20, $35, $50 and $110, go on sale Friday, June 9 at 10 a.m. Bill Edwards Foundation for the Arts members can purchase tickets today at noon. Tickets may be purchased online at themahaffey.com, or charge by phone at 727.893.7832 or in person at The Mahaffey Box Office. The Mahaffey Box Office is open 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Saturday or at least 90 minutes prior to any ticketed event.
The Mahaffey Theater
The Mahaffey Theater, under the management of Big3 Entertainment, is one of Tampa Bay’s top-rated performing arts venues. Home to the Florida Orchestra, The Mahaffey hosts top-quality national and international artists and performances – Broadway, pop, rock, comedy, dance, classical and interactive engagements and exhibitions.
Located in the heart of downtown St. Petersburg, the 2,031-seat cultural jewel boasts spectacular waterfront views and is located only minutes away from white sandy beaches and world-renowned museums. Additionally, the theater supports the highly successful Class Acts program, which enables school children to experience the performing arts through in-theater performances as well as in-school outreach and extension programs.
Bill Edwards Foundation for the Arts
Founded as a 501(c)3 nonprofit in 2009, the Bill Edwards Foundation for the Arts is dedicated to the success and future of The Mahaffey Theater and to the notion that through diverse programing and patron membership support, performing arts should be enjoyed by all of St. Petersburg’s citizens. It’s your theater!
The Bill Edwards Foundation for the Arts is committed to supporting and presenting all genres of the performing arts at The Mahaffey Theater, funding arts education for school children through the Class Acts performance series and providing its member patrons with unequaled services, entertainment and cultural experiences.
