Floor Lords

Founded in 1981, Floor Lords has over 40 years of positive influence in the community. Since its inception, they have utilized members to teach and cultivate workshops and performances not only in Massachusetts but worldwide. Every year, they host an annual event and dance competition that attracts over 500 participants from around the globe.

From the early 1980s to the early 1990s, they have documented volunteer efforts at senior and veterans' homes, as well as at Shriners Hospital, where they provided workshops, performances, and entertainment. In 1996, they secured a rehearsal location in Jamaica Plain, where they voluntarily taught hundreds of inner-city youth at no cost until 2006.

Between 2006 and 2009, they ran an after-school program called "Hip Hop Mecca," funded by the City of Boston. This program offered free lessons in dance, music production, writing, and more, while also providing job opportunities for the students. During that period, they also participated in multiple AIDS walks and performed annually at "Christmas in the City," an organization that provides Christmas gifts to children and families in need.

On June 25, 2011, then-Mayor Thomas M. Menino awarded Floor Lords a proclamation at their 30th-anniversary event. Since then, they have become world champions in dance and artistry, with their president being a 2024 Paris Olympic hopeful and member of Team USA. In October 2021, Floorlords invested in its own location and studio in Harvard Square. They continue its mission of teaching youth and adults from across Massachusetts and the Northeast. Hundreds of students have participated in classes, panels, and performances, as Floor Lords persists in our mission of empowering the youth. On August 6th 2021, at Floor Lords 40th annual anniversary, they were again honored with two more proclamations from the Mayor of Boston and a citation from Governor Baker.