The Oxford Dictionary defines a community as a group of people who are considered as a unit because of shared interests or background, or a feeling of fellowship with others as a result of sharing common attitudes, interests and goals. Hip Hop is a conscious (hip) movement (hop). This etymological definition originated from KRS-ONE, of Boogie Down Productions. He rose to prominence as one of the original lyrical luminaries to come out of the 70's New York hip hop scene. He is a pioneer who still works effortlessly to this day to promote Hip Hop culture. As an added piece of the pie, the word flow 'Hip Hop' was originally said to be coined by 'Lovebug Starski', who is said to have made this terminology popular during his DJ sets. He is said to be one of the first DJs to start MCing over the music he was playing. Some argue that it was Keith 'cowboy' Wiggins of Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five who brought the term 'Hip Hop' to the public domain by coming up with the rhyme 'hip, hop, the hip, the hip, hip the hopping', to coincide with the music, when he was stuck for words (Rolling Stone.com, 2018).
Regardless of who first 'spat' out those words, the term Hip Hop and the culture it has created is synonymous with building and strengthening communities around the world.
Dance, in general, is undoubtedly one of the fundamental artistic endeavours that create, builds and promotes community. From ballet, to tap, to salsa, to ballroom, like-minded people come together because of their shared interest in these genres, thus, building community. A community of others who love the same thing that they do and thus can stretch far and wide all over the world. Hip Hop, above all other dance forms, truly encompasses every single definition of 'community' that you could read about. The very essence of Hip Hop and its origins is that it evolved out of a sense of shared interests and experiences.
The evolution of what became known as 'Hip Hop Culture' began in the 1970s on the streets of the South Bronx area of New York City. African Americans, Latino Americans and Caribbean Americans were some of the most marginalised communities of the Bronx area and it was the youth, from these walks of life, who all came together to begin to create a new way of expressing themselves. At a time when poverty and discrimination led youth down the path of street gangs, drugs and criminal activity this new sense of community provided an outlet of a different kind. It brought these communities together and fostered a new way of connecting and interacting that didn't involve the threat of violence, oppression or substance abuse. This new street scene that was being created became characterised by 5 key elements: MCing, DJing, graffiti art, breaking and knowledge of oneself (the latter came about later). These forms of artistic expression were used during block parties as a means of being vocal about the hardships in their lives. They were given a platform to discuss social and political issues that were important to them and they were able to reflect on their life experiences. A type of free art therapy emerged where emotions could be expressed and released in a safe space.
Any negative energy from everyday life was redirected in Hip Hop to build upon new values. Those of creativity, identity, originality, respect and the big one COMMUNITY.
The building of community undoubtedly evolved organically. It was the birth of different cultures mixing for one purpose, outside, on the streets, on common ground. No one was better than anyone else, everybody was equal and the collaboration and coexistence between communities were born.
The popularity of the Hip Hop scene in 1970's New York grew incredibly fast and soon the positive benefits of this subculture were becoming apparent all over America.
Its influence on other parts of the world also began to emerge and the scene continued to grow and evolve through the '80s, '90s, into the 2000s and to the present day. Hip Hop Culture's ability to unify and empower neglected and vulnerable communities is indisputable.
A voice had at last been provided for under-represented groups.
A platform for social discourse via artistic expression was born.
Individual empowerment resulted.
The community was strengthened.
I think, for me, it is also important to touch on the elements of fun and enjoyment that was born from the sense of community at this time.
As well as the 'serious' issues I have discussed above, the Hip Hop street scene was also centred around having fun and being a little bit bold and cheeky.
The freestyle elements of DJing, MCing, and graffiti art created an undeniable sense of release and joy in what they were doing. The dance moves created had humour in them, the sarcastic one-upmanship, being able to show off and so on - these were all important elements of the Mcing and Street Dance battles.
The conflict was remedied through the 5 key elements, mentioned above, instead of through aggression. People listened to one another. People supported each other. This was an amazing thing. This was new. This was a different way of life.
As the 1980's emerged so did the 'Party Dance' era of hip hop. Short sequential dance moves were choreographed which were a direct reflection and representation of popular culture at that time. A humorous throwback to the life they were living, something to create together and something to share with others.
The Roger Rabbit, the Reebok, the Janet Jackson, the Cabbage Patch, and many more were created to be enjoyed by both dancers and the audience. They were humorous, intelligent, cool, super fun and anyone could do them (yup...anyone...including me, well most of them!) These dances went global and helped foster the growing popularity of the scene. Whenever I witness any 'Party Dances' being executed there is always a smile on everyone's face. Expressing joy in what you do and eliciting joy in others is, for me, a big part of the Hip Hop scene that I have experienced here in Calgary and most certainly at Pulse Studios.
When everyone can join in with something, the inclusivity a person feels begins to empower them and thus community is strengthened.
One big way that I have witnessed community being built and strengthened via Hip Hop culture is through dance cyphers. I had never experienced this before unless you count dancing around my handbag at an 80's disco! The dance cypher is when a circle is created and a person heads into the middle of it to freestyle their movement. It is a sacred space where connection, positivity, support and community all mesh together.
When my son first attended camp at Pulse Studios Calgary he was riddled with anxiety, he spent time hiding in the washrooms and then slowly each day through support and community he grew as a person and his situational anxiety over new things eased. Never in a million years would I have expected to see him throwing down moves in the middle of the cypher on his last day of camp! Within 5 days the sense of community that he experienced had changed him. His confidence grew, his self-esteem emerged and his dance skills evolved. It was amazing to witness, not only as a mum but also as someone new to the world of Hip Hop. I knew he had a home, a safe space and that he had a supportive environment around him. A COMMUNITY.
Pulse Studios created that for him and those around him. Call out cheers of support, encouragement, woo-hoos, get it, get ins... and all other forms of bigging someone up...It is so fantastic to hear and see that positive energy bound around a space. I may even have experienced it myself a time or two but that's a story for another time!
I love that Pulse also always incorporates a sense of community involvement at any show or event they are doing. They always begin with a short Hip Hop dance lesson; everyone is on their feet and it always includes the fun 'Party Dances'. A safe space is created, the mood is lifted and the Hip Hop experience can begin and, ultimately, be honoured. Classes at Pulse often end with a cypher!
Both these amazing things that Pulse do, help create and foster that sense of belonging and community. Of course, it is always a choice to participate in any community dance experience but when faced with such powerful good vibes it is hard not to let your inhibitions go and join in the fun!
Being a part of your local Hip Hop scene can connect you to so many wider experiences. Experiences like connecting with other dancers, learning about the true origins of the culture and providing mentorship with your studio undoubtedly builds community.
Pulse laid the foundations of its pioneers by creating an authentic Hip Hop community in Calgary. You get a well-rounded Hip Hop education where all the 5 key elements are explored. Pulse has over 10 years of building a beautiful space and creating a community in which everyone is welcome, valued, inspired and feels safe enough to be able to express their creativity. Pulse has provided a home to many and continues to do so. Evolving with the times as reflected by the progressive and ever-changing Hip Hop world.
KRS-ONE made the bold statement that "Rap is something you do, but Hip Hop is something you live." Perhaps controversial for some but food for your 'Hip Hop You Don't Stop' thought?
By: Sonja
Sources:
- wikipedia.com
- rollingstone.com
- thesource.com
- thekennedycentre.org
