Course Description
Exploration into the history and movement technique styles of Hip-Hop dance. The primary focus of this course is to develop Hip-Hop related dance skills as a medium of communication beyond the entertainment aspects. Students will explore movement isolations, rhythms, and Hip-Hop origins in the context of contemporary social culture.
Athena Title
Hip-Hop Dance and Culture
Semester Course Offered
Offered spring
Grading System
A - F (Traditional)
Course Objectives
· Embodied understanding of Hip-Hop movement styles and rhythms . Create Hip-Hop inspired art and activist projects · Be able to identify Hip-Hop cultural aesthetics and cultural experience · Be able to compose choreography using Hip-Hop elements, concepts, and beats · Be able to demonstrate an understanding of Hip-Hop dance using classroom material, research-inspired, and self-evaluation · Understand the various elements that comprise Hip-Hop as well as the variety of forms it includes · Develop an appreciation of the cultural, political, and artistic value of Hip-Hop · Understand the nuances of mainstream Hip-Hop, conscious rap, and underground Hip-Hop . Consider ways in which Hip-Hop speaks to youth through oppression, violence, identity, personal expression, culture, and power
Topical Outline
a) Warm-up with Hip-Hop beats and introduce movement vocabulary b) Center movement exercises and combinations c) Locomotive exercises and combinations d) Featured combination synthesizing fundamental concepts e) Compose Final project through group work and community outreach performance GROUP PROJECT – Students will create their own art, choreography, and beats using class material and research findings; a 3-minute Hip-Hop dance style with the Hip-Hop cultural experience. The elements of each dance form or style that was covered in class must be clearly articulated.
Syllabus