Baton twirling, flag twirling and dance teams from Virginia, North Carolina and Washington will gather at King’s Fork High School this weekend for the first Essence of Twirling and Dance Auxiliary Competition.

Suffolk Parks and Recreation is presenting the event, Saturday from 1 to 5 p.m. According to Lakita Watson, director of the city department, it’s an opportunity to meet young people where they’re at.

“‘Bring It!’ (the dance reality TV series) and dance competitions are popular among young people,” Watson said. “Young people love dance.”

According to a news release, participating teams will go head-to-head in three divisions: marching, team and the stand dance battle.

The dance battle, called Wreckin’ the Stands, will follow a format similar to “Bring It!”

Organizers invited high school band programs across Suffolk and beyond to participate.

Participating Virginia high schools include King’s Fork, Phoebus, Bethel and Greensville County.

Ballou Sr. High School in Washington and Warren County High School in Warrenton, N.C., also plan to attend, according to the release.

There will also be exhibition performances from the Hot Ice Dance Line of Norfolk State University and Suffolk’s Satin Hearts Elite Twirlers.

Proceeds from the event will help support the Suffolk Youth Achievement Awards and selected marching band programs.

“We enjoy providing opportunities for young people to come together,” Watson said.

“Of course, it’s a win-win for us, with a portion of the proceeds donated to our Youth Achievement Awards.”

General admission will cost $10, or $8 for the first 300 spectators.

“We are looking forward to hopefully filling the gym, because this is something for all ages,” Watson said.

“It would just be a wonderful opportunity to see some of the most talented youth on the East Coast perform.”

The competition is being billed as the first of its kind in Hampton Roads.

“I’m hoping that it grows, so that we can continue to offer this type of opportunity to families,” Watson added.