Photo: Bill Hughes

Multiple forms of hip-hop dance are taught at Tunay.

Here’s a heartwarming story: Last year, a 5-year-old dancer named Ariah was practicing “liquid popping” at Tunay Ink Dance Studio when a member of the Jabbawockeez walked in and saw her freestyling. The Wockee was so impressed he brought her to the finale of America’s Best Dance Crew, where she was christened “Baby Wockee.” It was a hip-hop dream come true, courtesy of a little-known Downtown dance studio on Main Street.

Now for the bad news: Tunay is at risk of closing. Owner Jojo Peralta has been subsidizing the studio with profits from his T-shirt printing business, but he can no longer afford to. You can support Tunay by dropping by its Friday fundraiser, which will feature a slew of internationally recognized b-boys and dancers, along with Baby Wockee. Be sure to bring a few bucks—they need it.