Culture Shock Canada, Orleans, ON

Culture Shock started in San Diego, California in 1993 by Angie Bunch, a professional dancer, international presenter and Nike Fitness Athlete. Starting the concept as a way of teaching herself how to dance hip hop, Angie gathered together a group of hip hop street dancers to develop and perform hip hop choreography. A professional performing troupe of dancers was formed, and by the end of that year, Culture Shock San Diego was born. In the next few years Culture Shock would expand to Los Angeles, Oakland, Las Vegas, New York, Atlanta, Chicago and Washington D.C..
In the next few years Culture Shock would expand to Los Angeles, Oakland, Las Vegas, New York, Atlanta, Chicago and Washington D.C.. With each addition of a troupe, the Mission Statement's concept evolved into a non-profit, youth outreach and community service program that was fueled purely by volunteerism. By using street dance, the group reached out to young people, steering them away from drugs, violence and hatred into a life-style which promoted acceptance, achievement and self confidence. Culture Shock is also about offering a performance opportunity and a supportive and positive environment to talented dancers. Since the development of other Culture Shock dance troupes, the group has evolved into a large international cultural network.
In San Francisco, troupe members donated time to starting a free dance and performing group concept known as Future Shock. These troupes, made up of youth from 8-18 years old, are Culture Shock's direct link to the community. By offering free dance instruction, a safe place in which to learn and play as well as a performing outlet, Culture Shock found that the youth were more receptive to its drug free and healthy lifestyle message.