Epic

your street dance and hip hop hub

Be part of the hype. Street Dance made it to the Olympics. Will you? Okay, maybe you're not that serious. But you can learn (or show off) some sick serious skills.

how did we get here

With our inaugural event on November 9, 2024, we welcome the Utah dance community to Newgate Mall in Ogden. We support both just-for-fun and highly competitive dancers with training and performance.

Kenzie walked into FOR THE LOVE OF Studio and met Janika. The conversation sparked an idea that lead to a collaboration, that lead to an incredible team of passionate, skilled, performers and teachers.

We host Epic battles in January, April, July, and November with monthly in-studio cyphers, workshops, and dance parties to connect the dance community and build your skills.

Join Us Nov. 9 2024

Vendors

General

Admission

Get Tickets

Masterclass

Popping

Dance Battle

Entry Fee

Masterclass

Animation

meet the team

Janika Byington

Founder FOR THE LOVE OF Studio

Janika's talents are varied. Her passion for the work is intense. She is committed to making creative arts a viable living for thousands of artists. Her training is in classical ballet. But she can still let lose and have fun--even though she is 50+ Let's not limit ourselves shall we?

Kenzie Chapman

Dance Director

Kenzie is an entrepreneurial artist with deep passion for building the dance community. The Salt Lake City battle scene became a passion in 2023. She teaches hip hop at The DF Dance Studio with training in popping, waving, contemporary, and shuffling. Dance has been a therapeutic outlet since she started training at age 10. She loves seeing other light up when they learn and master skills on their journey of expression.

Alonzo "Sly" Cooper

In-House MC

DJ Sly Cooper represents FLAVANOIDS. Longtime Utah dance scene competitor. Now a DJ to the community he loves. Leveling up skills and leveling up the hype scene with sick mixes for the home crew.

judges

Chacho Valdez

A central figure in the Salt Lake City dance community, especially recognized for his expertise in breaking, house, and hip-hop. He is a 15 year veteran teacher at the School of Dance in Salt Lake City. His focus is training the next generation of dancers in both foundational skills and advanced techniques, emphasizing the cultural roots of hip-hop. He is respected for his dedication to the local dance scene and his mentorship to aspiring dancers.

Derrick "Scribz"

Derrick (AKA Skribz) started with Haitian folk dance. By age ten, he added hip hop, jazz, tap, modern, ballet, breakdance, popping, and krump. Derrick's lifelong pursuit of his talent has taken him to stage and screen, with appearances in Disney's "Andi Mack," the movie and "Enchanted Christmas." Derrick sees dance as an art form for personal expression and therapy. The transformative power of movement motivates him to be the change he wants to see in the world. His mission is to inspire others to do the same.

Michael Swasey

Our Popping Masterclass expert and Epic judge. Third Degree Popper from Utah. Competes and teaches all around the country. Prospect of Mighty Zulu Kingz and Sponsor of Relentless. Focused on growing the community and helping others build skills, stamina, and success.

instructors

Collin Adams

Guest Instructor

Collin (a.k.a. Cybot) is a Robot and Animation dance enthusiast. He has trained with Glitch, Bluprint, and Jaja who inspired him when he watched SYTYCD as a child. UNIMATE robot & animation dance camp LA, gave Collin skills he is excited so share and build a community in Utah around these styles. Collin teaches a robot/animation class and hosts an open style session at the HERC every weekend. Follow at @collin_adamz on instagram and feel free to reach out with any questions!

Kenzie Chapman

Resident Hip Hop Instructor

Kenzie has training in popping, waving, contemporary, and shuffling. Dance has been a therapeutic outlet since she started training at age 10. She loves seeing others light up when they learn and master skills on their journey of expression. That's why she loves teaching. Her enthusiasm and kindness is why her students love her.