PHOTO ESSAY | Bubblin Brown Sugar 2023

by Susan Fried

Joy, just like the music, reverberated throughout the Garfield High School gym as Bubblin Brown Sugar — the long-standing Seattle high school dance contest — got underway on Saturday, June 17.

This year's sold-out event had fewer participating dance teams; it was presented as a showcase of incredible local talent rather than a contest. The packed audience was presented with one amazing dance performance after another. The teams included the always entertaining original Throwback dance team, made up of dancers who used to be on high school teams "back in the day," and one made up of people who graduated a little more recently called the New Generation Throwbacks (NGT). There were also Baile Dior, 1st Klass, Pure Gold (the University of Washington's step team), Kutt'N'Up, and two high school teams from Highline and Garfield. During intermission and at the end of the performances, the incredible Double Dutch Divas invited the audience to come down and jump rope.

Although there were no first-, second-, or third-place trophies presented this year, plaques were given to Baile Dior for best costumes, best theme was won by the New Generation Throwbacks, and Garfield High School was selected as the fan favorite.

The money made from the sale of tickets to Bubblin Brown Sugar goes to support the programs of 100 Black Parents, including scholarship and educational programs for Black youth, as well as helping raise funds for a family engagement coordinator at Garfield High School this fall.

Featured Image: The New Generation Throwback dance team (NGT) won best theme for their dynamic performance at Bubblin Brown Sugar 2023. (Photo: Susan Fried)