So you think you can dance? Action Dance Academy is asking you to prove it.

The local dance school is hosting a Teen Urban Dance Competition on Dec. 18 at Lincoln High School in Tacoma. Organizers are seeking groups and individuals who can best display their hip-hop, step, krump, break, jerk and funk skills. Cash prizes will be awarded for first, second and third-place contestants.

Lincoln High School Principal Patrick Erwin and United Way Director of Community Assessment and Investment Pamela Duncan-Pierce will help judge the competition. Dawn Del Castillo, owner of Freedom Dance and Outreach Center in Tacoma, will be among the four professional urban dancers who will also be judging.

Del Castillo has been a career dancer and choreographer for 14 years and says that during the competition she will be watching for technique, routine and, most importantly, creativity.

“I’m watching for routines and skill that can catch my eye,” she said.

Although she doesn’t want to knock the creativity of any group, Del Castillo said groups should avoid routines or tricks that are played out.

And for those who may be thinking the styles that will be represented in the competition aren’t “real” dancing, Del Castillo’s got news for you.

“Even with hip-hop a lot of terms we use are ballet terms. In my studio we mandate that students take a jazz or ballet class, because it will better their hip-hop.”  

Del Castillo believes dance competitions like these not only have a positive effect on teens, they can also positively impact the community.

“There are so many groups in Seattle and a lot of the kids here don’t really have this kind of outlet,” she said. “In my opinion, kids now are really angry. Dance offers an outlet for them. Instead of joining a gang, they join dance groups where they can still have a family.”

This was the idea that inspired Jacob Rodvelt-Gamlieli, director of Action Dance Academy, to launch Teen Urban Dance.

This extension of his studio has allowed teens a safe outlet to challenge their bodies and minds, focus on developmental goals, and stay out of trouble.

Dancers affiliated with the group learn and practice many styles of dance popular with youth. Hip-hop, step, break, krump, pop, freestyle, strollin’ or funk - nothing is off limits. “I think it’s a great way for teens to share ideas and creativity in a positive atmosphere,” Rodvelt-Gamlieli said. “Dance can help them feel good about themselves by coming up with something new.”

Although Rodvelt-Gamlieli won’t be judging, he will be creating the scorecards for the competition. He will be looking for teams with great technique, ability, choreography, performance skills and costuming. He is looking forward to seeing what each team will bring to the event.

“I’ll love to see what they can put together, especially the choreography because that’s what I do.”

During the competition, judging will be tough and talent should be fierce, but Rodvelt-Gamlieli says that shouldn’t make potential contestants nervous.

“Dance is the most positive way to get out there and be accepted,” he said. “No one is going put you down in this competition.”

The Teen Urban Dance Competition will take place at Lincoln High School at 7 p.m. on Dec. 18. Admission for spectators is $2 at the door. The competition fee for crews is $10 and for solo artists it’s $5. For more information, call (253) 627-7837.