Building a Holistic Hip-Hop Dance Program: Embracing Culture and Equity | Aysha Upchurch
Welcome to Beyond the StEPS
Hip-hop dance is a vibrant and dynamic form of art that transcends boundaries and unites people from diverse backgrounds. However, to truly appreciate and teach this cultural expression, one must go beyond merely offering individual classes. The real essence lies in building a comprehensive hip-hop dance program that acknowledges the rich African diasporic culture and promotes inclusivity and equity.
Understanding the Cultural Context:
Understanding the cultural context of hip-hop dance is essential for any studio owner or instructor aiming to build a successful and authentic hip-hop dance program. This involves delving into the historical, social, and cultural aspects that have shaped hip-hop as an art form and as a representation of African diasporic culture.
Acknowledging the Roots:
Hip-hop dance emerged in the African American and Latino communities in the Bronx during the 1970s. It was a product of the vibrant and challenging environment these communities faced, providing an outlet for expression and creativity. The dance was heavily influenced by various dance forms, such as African dance, jazz, and funk, as well as cultural practices like call-and-response and storytelling.
Acknowledging the roots means recognizing the pioneers and trailblazers who contributed to the development of hip-hop dance. Legendary figures like Kool Herc, Afrika Bambaataa, and Grandmaster Flash played crucial roles in shaping the dance culture, and their contributions should be respected and honored.
Hip-hop dance is not a monolithic art form; it embraces a diverse range of styles, including breaking, locking, popping, and house. Each style has its own unique history and significance, and understanding these distinctions is vital in building a comprehensive curriculum.
Furthermore, hip-hop dance is practiced and celebrated worldwide, with dancers from different cultural backgrounds incorporating their own influences and interpretations. A culturally sensitive hip-hop program should encourage students to appreciate the global reach and impact of hip-hop while celebrating the diversity of its practitioners.
Hip-hop dance has long been associated with social and political commentary, addressing issues like poverty, racism, and inequality. Understanding the context in which hip-hop originated allows instructors to teach beyond the movements and connect students with the powerful messages behind the dance.
Hip-hop dance has often been subject to stereotypes and misrepresentations in mainstream media. A culturally aware program should challenge these misconceptions and present an accurate portrayal of hip-hop as a dynamic and multifaceted art form.
To truly understand the cultural context of hip-hop, studio owners and instructors must actively engage with the community. This could involve inviting guest instructors from diverse backgrounds, participating in community events, and collaborating with local hip-hop artists and organizations.
Building a culturally rich hip-hop program requires more than just teaching the movements; it involves cultivating a mindset of respect, curiosity, and open-mindedness. Instructors should encourage students to approach the art form with humility and a willingness to learn about its roots and significance.
Fostering Humility and Curiosity:
Fostering humility and curiosity is at the heart of building a culturally sensitive and authentic hip-hop dance program. It involves creating an environment where students and instructors approach the art form with an open mind, a willingness to learn, and a deep respect for its roots and cultural significance.
In a hip-hop dance program, it's crucial to emphasize that learning is an ongoing journey. Students should be encouraged to embrace the process of growth and improvement, rather than solely focusing on mastering the movements. This mindset allows students to approach the art form with humility, acknowledging that there is always more to learn and discover.
Hip-hop dance is deeply rooted in African diasporic culture, and recognizing these influences is essential for fostering humility. Instructors should educate students about the historical context and the contributions of African and African American communities to the development of hip-hop dance. This understanding creates a sense of appreciation for the cultural richness of the art form.
A culturally sensitive hip-hop program should celebrate the diversity of its students and instructors. Encouraging students to share their experiences and cultural backgrounds can enrich the learning environment and foster curiosity about different perspectives. Emphasizing diversity also helps combat stereotypes and promotes inclusivity.
Bringing in guest instructors and hip-hop artists from diverse backgrounds is an excellent way to expose students to different styles and cultural influences. These guest educators can offer unique insights into the art form and share their experiences, promoting curiosity and a deeper understanding of hip-hop's cultural context.
Creating a safe space for dialogue and discussion allows students to ask questions, share insights, and challenge preconceptions. Instructors should be open to answering questions about the history and significance of hip-hop, fostering a sense of curiosity among the students.
Implicit bias can affect how instructors and students approach hip-hop dance. Acknowledging and addressing these biases is essential for creating a respectful and culturally aware environment. Instructors should be conscious of their own biases and strive to challenge them to ensure equitable and inclusive teaching practices.
Engaging with the local hip-hop community provides valuable opportunities for students and instructors to learn directly from those who live and breathe the culture. Participating in community events, workshops, and performances helps build connections and fosters a genuine understanding of hip-hop's cultural context.
Developing an Authentic Curriculum:
Developing an authentic curriculum for a hip-hop dance program is essential to honor the culture's roots, values, and artistic expression. An authentic curriculum goes beyond teaching dance moves; it aims to instill a deep understanding of hip-hop's historical context, cultural significance, and its evolution as an art form. Here are some key principles to consider when developing an authentic hip-hop dance curriculum:
Start by delving into the historical roots of hip-hop dance. Explore its origins in African and African American communities in the Bronx during the 1970s. Educate students about the socio-political climate that gave rise to hip-hop and how it served as a form of artistic expression and resistance. Understanding the history of hip-hop is crucial for contextualizing its significance in today's world.
Hip-hop dance is a multifaceted art form that comprises various elements, such as breaking, locking, popping, and freestyle. Each element has its unique history and style. Introduce students to these elements and encourage them to explore and embrace different styles to become well-rounded hip-hop dancers.
Acknowledge and pay homage to the pioneers and trailblazers of hip-hop dance. From DJ Kool Herc to The Rock Steady Crew, each individual or group played a significant role in shaping the culture. Incorporate stories and achievements of these pioneers into the curriculum to foster respect and appreciation for their contributions.
Developing cultural competency is vital in building an authentic hip-hop curriculum. Encourage students and instructors to engage with hip-hop culture beyond dance, including music, graffiti, fashion, and language. Promote an understanding of how these aspects intertwine and contribute to the overall hip-hop experience.
Hip-hop dance thrives on individuality and creative expression. Include freestyle and improvisation exercises in the curriculum to allow students to find their unique style and voice. Emphasize the value of self-expression and encourage students to develop their artistic identity.
Hip-hop has often been a platform for addressing social issues and advocating for change. Integrate discussions about social justice, inequality, and empowerment into the curriculum. Encourage students to use their dance as a form of activism and a means to create positive change in their communities.
Invite guest artists and instructors who have a deep understanding of hip-hop culture and its various elements. Having experts from diverse backgrounds lead workshops and share their experiences enriches the learning process and provides students with valuable insights.
Connect with the local hip-hop community to create opportunities for students to participate in events, performances, and workshops. Involvement in the community allows students to experience hip-hop culture in its authentic form and develop a sense of belonging to a broader movement.
Promoting Equity and Racial Justice:
Promoting equity and racial justice within a hip-hop dance program is not only important for creating an inclusive and welcoming environment but also for honoring the culture's origins and values. Here are some ways to promote equity and racial justice in a hip-hop dance program:
Diverse Representation in Leadership: Ensure that the leadership and teaching staff of the dance program reflect the diversity of the community it serves. Having instructors from different racial and ethnic backgrounds not only provides students with role models they can relate to but also brings a variety of perspectives and experiences to the curriculum.
Inclusive Programming: Offer a diverse range of classes and workshops that celebrate different styles and elements of hip-hop, including those that might be less mainstream or commercial. Embrace and showcase various cultural influences within the hip-hop community to demonstrate the richness and diversity of the art form.
Acknowledgment of Cultural Appropriation: Teach students about the concept of cultural appropriation and its implications. Encourage critical thinking and discussions about respecting the origins of hip-hop and the importance of giving credit to the communities that developed it.
Addressing Stereotypes: Create a safe space where students can express their feelings and experiences related to stereotypes and racial biases they might encounter in the dance world. Foster open conversations that challenge these biases and encourage empathy and understanding among the dance community.
Community Partnerships: Collaborate with local community organizations and artists who are actively involved in promoting racial justice and equity. Engage in joint initiatives that address social issues and use hip-hop dance as a tool for advocacy and empowerment.
Scholarships and Financial Support: Offer scholarships and financial assistance to ensure that students from all economic backgrounds can access quality dance education. Financial barriers should never be a hindrance to pursuing a passion for dance.
Accessible and Inclusive Spaces: Make sure that the dance studio is physically accessible to all individuals, regardless of their abilities. Additionally, create a welcoming atmosphere that fosters a sense of belonging and safety for everyone, regardless of their racial or ethnic background.
Cultural Sensitivity in Choreography: Encourage choreographers to approach their work with cultural sensitivity and respect. Help them understand the importance of incorporating authentic cultural elements without appropriating or misrepresenting them.
Collaborative Projects: Facilitate collaborative projects that bring together students from diverse backgrounds to create art that celebrates unity and diversity. These projects can serve as powerful tools for fostering understanding and breaking down racial barriers.
Continuous Learning and Growth: Regularly engage in professional development opportunities focused on diversity, equity, and inclusion. Stay informed about current issues related to racial justice and continuously seek ways to improve the dance program's approach to promoting equity.
Taking Small Steps for Big Change:
Taking small steps for big change is a crucial approach when it comes to promoting equity, diversity, and inclusion in a hip-hop dance program. It involves acknowledging that transformation takes time and that significant progress can be achieved through incremental efforts. Here are some ways to implement small steps for big change in a hip-hop dance program:
Self-Evaluation and Reflection: Start by conducting a self-evaluation of the dance program's current practices and policies. Reflect on areas where there might be room for improvement in terms of diversity, representation, and cultural sensitivity. Be open to acknowledging any biases or blind spots that may exist.
Educate and Train Faculty and Staff: Offer training and workshops for faculty and staff to enhance their cultural competency and understanding of equity issues. This could include workshops on cultural sensitivity, unconscious bias, and inclusive teaching practices. Encourage ongoing learning and open discussions among staff members.
Diverse Guest Instructors and Performers: Invite guest instructors and performers from diverse backgrounds to teach and showcase their artistry. Exposure to different perspectives and styles within hip-hop will enrich the learning experience for students and promote cultural exchange.
Incorporate Diverse Music and Styles: Introduce students to a wide range of hip-hop music and dance styles, including those that are less mainstream. Exposing students to the roots and origins of hip-hop will help them appreciate its cultural significance and diversity.
Address Microaggressions: Create an environment where students feel comfortable addressing and discussing microaggressions or instances of discrimination. Establish clear protocols for handling such situations and ensure that they are taken seriously and addressed promptly.
Community Engagement: Encourage students to engage with the broader hip-hop community through workshops, events, and collaborations. Building connections with diverse artists and dancers can broaden perspectives and foster a sense of unity.
Culturally Relevant Curriculum: Develop a curriculum that not only teaches dance techniques but also explores the historical and cultural context of hip-hop. Incorporate stories of hip-hop pioneers and social activists who have contributed to the art form's evolution.
Celebrate Diversity in Showcases: Include a diverse range of choreographies and performances in showcases and recitals. Celebrate the uniqueness of each student's background and encourage them to express their cultural identities through dance.
Seek Student Feedback: Regularly seek feedback from students about their experiences in the program. Actively listen to their concerns and ideas, and incorporate their input into decision-making processes.
Partner with Diverse Organizations: Collaborate with local community organizations that focus on social justice, diversity, and equity. Participate in joint initiatives that leverage the power of hip-hop dance to address social issues and foster positive change.
Remember, creating an inclusive and equitable hip-hop dance program is an ongoing journey that requires dedication and commitment. By taking small steps towards meaningful change, dance programs can play a vital role in promoting social justice and making a positive impact on the lives of their students and communities. Together, these small steps can lead to significant transformation and contribute to a more equitable and inclusive dance community.
A holistic hip-hop dance program requires dedication, humility, and a commitment to cultural education. By building an authentic curriculum that embraces the roots of the art form and promotes equity and inclusivity, studio owners can create a space that empowers and inspires their students. With Asia Upchurch's guidance, the path towards building a culturally rich and diverse hip-hop dance program becomes clearer, offering a rewarding experience for both instructors and students alike.
Aysha Upchurch*
Aysha Upchurch is an entrepreneur, artist, educator, and consultant who creates, facilitates, and designs for radical change. She is a seed planter and soil agitator who weaves her passion into her commitment to critical arts pedagogy, youth advocacy, social justice, and transformative education. Radical change means shaking up the old, expanding the boundaries of what's possible, and centering joy in the process. Whether on the stage or in the classroom or boardroom, Aysha is quite literally on the move to show what it means to be D.Ø.P.E. - dismantling oppression, pushing education.
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