Curiko is unveiling a new Hip Hop video series in March and April! They are releasing three video lessons to introduce people to the world of hip hop. Whether you’re an experienced dancer or trying it for the first time, you can follow along with the dancers as they show you step by step how to express your creativity through movement.
Meet Your Dance Instructors
-
- Kelly: “Hip hop dance makes me feel alive, it makes me feel expressive, and it makes me feel like I have something to give for myself.”
-
- Harmanie: “It gives me an opportunity to work on some more challenging wheelchair tricks that I’ve always wanted to work on and really find a groove.”
-
- Janan: “It makes me have energy and express myself…I get to showcase it or show other people.”
The videos are presented with picture-in-picture ASL interpretation by Nigel Howard, known to many for his part in BC’s COVID-19 briefings.
Your First Lesson
On March 4th, we premiered the first video with a virtual group watch. The group had a chance to try out the moves for the first time, and Kelly and Janan hung out to answer questions and offer advice.
The hip hop subculture gained popularity in the 1980s in New York City in neighbourhoods like the Bronx. It was created by Black and Latino Americans, who would throw neighbourhood block parties. Kelly kicks off the video by diving into this history, before moving on to thee foundations of hip-hop dance.
The first rule of hip hop:
“Groove first, moves later,” means your expression of the dance and music is more important than getting the moves down perfect.
The three dancers start by demonstrating different types of groove to get you stretching and moving to the rhythm of the music. To make the moves more accessible, the dancers also demonstrate modifications that might work for wheelchair users and other seated dancers. You’re also encouraged to adapt the moves to make them work for you body and suit your own style.
Hip hop is all about self-expression—so make the moves work for you!
You can watch the first video below:
The next two videos will build on this foundation and teach you a range of moves, some easier, and some a little more complicated.
Upcoming Events
Want to see the videos before anyone else? Join the group virtual events to watch the lessons together, try out the moves, and ask questions of people involved in the production of the videos. Wear comfortable clothes to dance in, bring some water, and bring your questions!
Hip Hop Lesson TwoDate: Friday, March 18 Time: 6 – 6:45 pm |
Hip Hop Lesson ThreeDate: Friday, April 1 Time: 4:30 – 5:15 pm |
To join an experience, visit the curiko.ca homepage just before the start time and scroll down to find the event page.
The video of each lesson will be available after the event.
Hip-Hop Dance Experience – In Person!
We want to see your moves in person! Curiko is planning an in-person experience in April to bring together everyone involved in the project, folks who came to the virtual events, and anyone else in our community who wants to dance along with us. If you live in or around Vancouver, we hope to see you there!
Curiko will be announcing the date and time in the next couple weeks. Follow @curikoexperience on Facebook or Instagram for the latest news.
Where Can I Watch Video Experiences?
Go to curiko.ca/explore to browse experiences by interest, format, or date. To find video experiences, click “Choose By Format” then pick “Video” — you’ll be able to see all the videos currently available. Watch at your own pace, as many times as you like!
