For nine years strong dance company In-Effect has been recruiting and showcasing Northwest hip-hop dancers, singers and actors, and with a show coming up in August, their reputation is steadily building up steam.  Headed by owner and lead choreographer Kari Lee, the dance troop consists of 14 dancers with skills ranging from ballet to hip-hop, all of which will be appearing in Shameless, the company's annual showcase of the dancers' talents and skill.

“Originally, one of my students in one of my hip-hop classes about nine years ago pushed me into starting up the company and I did it,” Says Lee. “ I started out with five girls, some of them were Sonic girls. Six months later I incorporated guys, then Six months later after that the company grew from five to 24 and it kept progressing,” says Lee.

According to Lee, some of the dancers have actually gone on to dance for major acts, including Puff Daddy and Usher. Although the main focus of the crew is dance, the company also recruits actors and singers. “We also have a lot of musicians and singers that do R&B duets and solos. They’re multi talented,” Says Kari “There are also some breakers.  We go in and out with breakers. Sometimes we have them, sometimes we don’t. As we start getting ready for shows, we start to find the hidden talent for each dancer. It’s really fun to see.”  Lee also points out that auditions for In-Effect are held once a year for dancers and other talented individuals. Some talented performers are actually chosen from the hip-hop dance classes that she runs weekly. “I teach hip-hop classes, and the people that come into my class, if I like them, I might pick them up and stick them in [an open spot].”

The company’s new production titled Shameless, premiering at the Shorecrest Performing Arts Center August 22^nd through the 24^th, will showcase the squad’s current roster of talent, and according to Lee the show promises ‘raw hip-hop choreography’ in a class all its own.  “Shameless came from a statement I came up with in class. There are moves that we will do that I say you have to deliver first class, not coach.  Another thing is to have no shame.  You have to be shameless about it. That’s what Shameless is.  When they get on stage they’re shameless about it,” says Lee. “It is classy enough that if you want to bring your five year-old, you can bring your five year-old.”

Tickets for Shameless are on sale at the Westlake Dance Center for $13, $15 at the door.  Kari Lee can be contacted at the Westlake Dance Center at 206-621-7378.  Shameless will be presented at the Shorecrest Performing Arts Center: 15343 25^th NE, Shoreline, WA.

-Gibran WaldroN