Professional Dancers to Perform at “Dancing for Degrees” to Benefit Higher Edge

New London, CT – Higher Edge’s 3rd Annual “Dancing for Degrees” fundraiser on November 3rd from 6-10p at Connecticut College’s Crozier-Williams Student Center, 1962 Room, will feature performances by two area professional dancers; Brandon Couloute and Nelson Chalas.

Brandon “Lectronic” Couloute has been teaching Hip-Hop & break dancing to students and adults in Connecticut for eight years. His passion for old school Hip Hop culture has led him to not only train in its various forms but also to educate his students about the Hip-Hop culture. Couloute is donating his performance to support Higher Edge’s work with college-bound students. “Supporting Higher Edge is important because it means supporting the future of young talented individuals. My career has been dedicated to doing exactly that,” he explained.

Originally from Bronx, New York, Nelson “Martian” Chalas began dancing in New London, Connecticut at 15 years old. He has competed locally and internationally as a breakdancer but has also developed skills in other styles of dance that have helped him as an entertainer and teacher. After graduating from the University of Connecticut, Nelson moved to New York City and signed with BLOC NYC which has led to a number of opportunities, including dancing on the 2018 MTV VMA awards show. “Being asked to support and celebrate HIgher Edge’s work through dance was an honor and an easy ‘yes,’” said Nelson Chalas. ”Their dedication to helping students achieve their dreams is definitely worth supporting.”
 
“We are grateful to both Brandon and Nelson for donating their time and talent to help strengthen programming for Higher Edge students in Willimantic and New London,” said Higher Edge Executive Director Theresa Armendarez. “We are looking forward to a fun and festive evening that will also include performances by some of our students.” The student dances are being choreographed by Lillian Cook of The Lion’s Den Dynasty.

Tickets: General Admission-$35; Students-$15 - available at Muddy Waters Cafe in New London or online at higheredge.org. Ticket price includes: Admission, Entertainment, Food, Music by DJ Tim Allen and one free drink (water or soft drink). Cash bar will be available.

About Higher Edge
Higher Edge guides low-income and first-generation students through enrollment, retention, and graduation from college by providing the support and resources needed for success. Higher Edge, Inc is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization under the IRS code.