Hip Hop Dance Company Increases Cultural Awareness
Philadelphia-based Hip Hop dance group Chosen Dance Company was invited by the African American MBA Association of the Wharton School of Business to perform at "African Cultures Day", an event hosted by the University of Pennsylvania Museum of Anthropology and Archeology. Chosen presented the history of Hip Hop dance in an educational and entertaining format. Chosen aims to create a more positive image for Hip Hop culture and validate Hip Hop dance as a true art form.
Philadelphia, PA (PRWEB) February 16, 2005 -- February is Black History Month
and an opportunity to recognize the impact African Americans have made to
society. On Saturday, the University of Pennsylvania Museum of Archeology and
Anthropology hosted African Cultures Day, where the African American MBA
Association of the Wharton School of Business invited Philadelphia-based Chosen
Dance Company to present the ‘Anthology of Hip Hop Dance’ to a crowd diverse in
age, race and gender. In an era where Hip Hop has increasingly found
associations with drugs, sex, and violence, Chosen is trying to bring a new look
to Hip Hop culture. Chosen presented Hip Hop in its purest form, taking the
audience back to early 1970’s and 80’s Hip Hop dance, when break dancing on city
streets, crazy head-spins in alleyways, and funky movements to beat music were
commonplace. With old school Hip Hop music reverberating off the Ancient
Egyptian museum artifacts, an audience well over one hundred twenty-five people
packed tightly as Hip Hop dance star and Chosen founder Clyde Evans, Jr. and his
seven dancers took them through a choreographed Hip Hop dance evolution
including moves of Lockin’, Poppin’, Breakin’, Hip Hop, and House.
Those
in attendance had the opportunity to witness cutting-edge Hip Hop dance that
Penn Museum of Archeology and Anthropology Special Events Assistant Bethany
Schell described as “engaging” and “extremely professional”. Chosen performances
historically incorporate a classical format, one that has thrilled audiences
ranging from the X-Games VIII in Philadelphia to the infamous Adelaide Festival
of Arts in Australia. Their performance on Saturday was no different. An
invigorated audience clapped along Chosen dance and jaws dropped as Clyde Evans,
Jr. performed adventurous and athletic dance moves. One move, in particular, is
so daring that it is referred to as the “suicide”. He also showcased a solo
dance called “animation”, where his distinct bodily movements created an
illusion of slow-motion, as if someone hit the slow-motion button on the VCR.
“It looked like he was caught in a strobe light. It was intense”, explained
Bethany Schell. Parents in attendance gave their children an opportunity to
witness Hip Hop dance as a true art form, while bringing back memories of their
own childhoods. “I was very impressed with the educational and child-friendly
aspect of Chosen’s program,” said Mildré Wampler of Willow Grove, PA. “It
brought me back to my own childhood. My son asked if I had ever ‘done this
dance’ and when I said ‘yes’, all of a sudden he thought I was a lot cooler!
This was a great event.”
Atop the cultural education and entertainment,
the audience was moved by Chosen’s mission of respect and love. At the close of
the performance, all in attendance stood united and reiterated aloud the words
of Clyde Evans, Jr. and Chosen Dance: “Love and respect equals peace for
everyone”. With those words echoing in a tightly packed
room, it was obvious that the audience had shared more than innovative dance,
smiles and laughs. They shared a common hope for the future. This hope is one
Chosen has brought to lectures and demonstrations with school children
world-wide, presenting a positive way to enjoy Hip Hop culture while relaying a
message rich in concepts of self-expression, anti-violence, and positive
attitudes. Chosen has upcoming lectures and demonstrations at Stetson Middle
School in West Chester, PA (February 25) and Keswick Theater in Philadelphia, PA
(February 22 through 24).
Chosen is re-defining Hip Hop, both in practice
and in image. With more and more associations with negativity, Hip Hop culture
is in need of a new face. Chosen Dance Founder and professional
choreographer/dancer, Clyde Evans, Jr. aims to take Hip Hop dance to the same
level of art and cultural appreciation as jazz, tap, ballet and other classical
arts. If Chosen’s performance this weekend is any indication, Hip Hop dance is
well on its way toward becoming a classical art form.
For more
information on Chosen Dance Company, visit http://www.chosendance.com.
About Chosen Dance
Company
Chosen Dance Company uses Hip Hop dance to create entertaining and
educational performances suitable for theater, schools, film, and live
entertainment, while maintaining the individuality that defines Hip Hop. Chosen
Dance Company’s goals are the validation of Hip Hop dance as a true art form and
the accessibility of Hip Hop to audiences regardless of age, ethnicity, or
gender. Chosen believes that it can take Hip Hop dance beyond its traditional
boundaries while preserving its purity.
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Source : http://www.prweb.com/releases/2005/2/prweb208829.htm