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 1970s and 80s 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 Chosens 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 Chosens 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 Chosens 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 Companys 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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