By Cary Shuman
Reia Briggs-Connor
The Phunk Phenomenon Dance Complex, founded by Chelsea native Reia Briggs-Connor, has become the premier hip-hop dance destination in Greater Boston. Now Briggs-Connor is searching for a new location for her studio.
In April, Briggs-Connor learned that her dance studio’s home on Revere Beach Parkway in Everett would be demolished. The facility had previously operated from Ferry Street in Everett before relocating to the former Harley Davidson building on Route 16. A former New England Patriots cheerleader, Briggs-Connor is now focusing her efforts on her native Chelsea.
“We received notice in April and my end-of-the-year recital was in May,” Briggs-Connor explained.
The Chelsea High School alumna and Miss Chelsea pageant winner has started discussions with developers about potential Chelsea sites near the Everett border.
“I’d really love to be back in Chelsea where I came from,” noted Briggs-Connor, whose mother is Barbara Casino Casino of Chelsea. “I’m looking for a new location and have a specific spot in mind and I’m going through the process of signing a lease.”
Briggs-Connor’s rise to prominence in the local hip-hop dance community reflects dedication, ability, and the support of her family. Her husband, Rick Connor, is an Everett Police officer. The couple has two children: Jared Connor, 12, who has San Filippo Syndrome and is honored annually through Jared’s Run, a family fundraising event, and Aaron, 7, an emerging dancer who participates in Pop Warner and Little League.
The Phunk Phenomenon has expanded to serve 450 students across all age groups. The studio gained prominence for establishing the Boston Celtics Junior Dance Team, which performs before 18,000 spectators at Celtics home games.
The studio’s national recognition includes an appearance on MTV’s “America’s Best Dance Crew” show, which was filmed in California. Phunk dancers also performed on “America’s Got Talent” and were finalists for Jennifer Lopez’s “World of Dance.” show.
“My dancers and I have been blessed enough to meet a lot of celebrities such as Busta Rhymes and Salt-N-Pepa and a lot of old-school rappers and hip hop artists. They love it that we keep hip hop alive from the foundation and all its high energy.”
Briggs-Connor, a Wheelock College graduate, takes pride in what her studio has accomplished and envisions continued growth at its new Chelsea location as a leading youth hip-hop dance center.
“I think the popularity of our studio, aside from the opportunities that our students get, is the family-oriented space that we offer and staying true to hip hop dance and its foundations. Basically it’s the love and care that goes in to the kids and we accept kids of all levels of dance ability. We build their confidence.”
Since establishing the studio in Everett in 2001, Briggs-Connor’s vision as a studio owner and instructor remains constant, she noted.
“Hopefully I can help more kids in Chelsea and all the surrounding communities. That’s always been my goal. I want to help these kids learn and appreciate the joys of dance and teamwork and have a positive outlook on life.”