Our Core Values

Family

As one of Culture Shock's most celebrated characteristics, a sense of Family exists between all cities and programs across the Culture Shock network. Culture Shock and the atmosphere at any Culture Shock event is always described as a family by its members and supporters. The relationships and bonds between people emerge as if they've always existed, go well beyond friendship, and last for a lifetime. As a family, we prioritize the support, well-being, and development of each other, and we strive to create that family atmosphere wherever we go.

Community

The core component of our mission is Community Enrichment, and the value we place on healthy and vibrant communities is extremely high. A community is any group with shared interests or commonality that supports each other, collaborates, and shares resources. Community is the extension of family, and Culture Shock strives to strengthen and create positive change in all of the various forms of community that we work with through our programs.

Respect & Diversity

"Self-worth, dignity, and respect for all people" is the final part of the Culture Shock motto, and we strive to treat everyone we come in contact with complete acceptance and without judgement. The cultural diversity of its original members was the inspiration for Culture Shock's name, and is still an obvious characteristic throughout the organisation. Culture Shock crosses all possible boundaries between people, and embraces everyone as valued and equal- it is truly 'for all people'.

Communication

We believe that consistent, open, and clear communication of information, thoughts, feelings, and ideas is a foundation for any successful group. We work hard to build this into all of our operations and programs, and we encourage it between all levels of the organisation.

Growth

The learning, growth, and development of people is an underlying mission across all Culture Shock programs. Whether it be as artists, leaders, or simply as human beings, one of the main benefits of being part of Culture Shock is the opportunity to grow, and to empower & support the growth of others. Also, because we believe so strongly in the power of our mission, we strive to continuously improve and grow as an organisation to increase the impact of what we do, and to reach as many people as possible.

Creativity

As an arts-based organisation, creativity is an essential part of Culture Shock’s core. Dance as a positive creative outlet and form of expression is our passion, and creativity and innovation in performance, teaching, and strategy is what we continuously work towards.

Professionalism

Culture Shock members maintain the highest standard of professionalism in everything they do. From the rehearsals of the professional dance teams, to the day-to-day operations, to the events we host, Culture Shock is run and executed with the highest level of integrity, efficiency, and level of responsibility.

Positive
Attitude

Positive Attitude

Starting off with a positive attitude is essential to the Culture Shock way. Anything worth working towards is bound to encounter challenges and difficulties, and we believe that perseverance and a positive attitude will lead to positive results and change. Everything that we do is also infused with a sense of fun and happiness, and as an organisation rooted and founded in Hip Hop culture, Hip Hop's positive principles of Peace, Love, Unity, and Having Fun are fundamental to Culture Shock.