Dallas Hip-Hop Fest: Hip-Hop that Educates and Inspires
Hip-Hop often gets a bad rap.
While many of us can relate to the freedom of expression it fosters, its stories of triumph or pain, and the life rhythms found within its music, Hip-Hop is often misunderstood or misrepresented in mainstream media. The stereotypes and certain negative aspects of the music and lifestyle are often highlighted, but those of us who are rooted within the culture know there's more to the story than that.
That's why I jumped at the opportunity to attend the Dallas Hip-Hop Fest (DHDF) a few weeks ago. I love when organizations produce Hip-Hop events in a spirit of positivity, education, and community, some of the very principles Hip-Hop centered around when it emerged in the 70's, which is exactly what DHDF has done and continues to do.
Now in it's fifth year of production, DHDF "is a platform for Hip-Hop dancers of all ages, representing all forms of Hip-Hop in its truest form." It's a weekend experience that aims to "educate, inspire, and showcase growing and established talent in the Southwest." Although the event focused on Hip-Hop dance, its founder, Geena Ngaaje, seeks to bring all aspects of Hip-Hop culture together.
The weekend began with classes being taught by faculty from all over the country who are doing big things in the entertainment industry through Hip-Hop dance. The line up included Kenya Clay, Jojo Diggs, Kiki Ely, Keith Green, Hollywood, Eddie Morales, and Jayson Wright. From credits such as Beyonce, JLo, Stomp the Yard, and much, much, more, this faculty gave festival attendees a true LA/NY/ATL experience right in their very own backyard.
I attended Friday afternoon classes and had the pleasure of getting a sneak peek at Keith Green's, Kenya Clay's, and Jojo Diggs' classes. What I appreciated most about the classes is that they were intimate yet still packed a lot of power. Dancers were passionate and extremely engaged in the movement, and the faculty offered more than just choreography. They actually educated dancers about performance skills, professionalism, and what it takes to be a professional dancer.
The classes were challenging yet supportive, which makes for an ideal learning environment. Attendees ranged in age from 11 - adulthood, and all danced with equal enthusiasm. I also loved that attendees showed up from all over the great state of Texas. One such attendee, Veronica Garcia, travelled three hours from Kileen, TX to invest in her dreams of becoming a professional tour dancer. She soaked up what each faculty member had to offer and even called her experience a "blessing."
From what I can tell, Virgina's investment definitely paid off. She was chosen to perform in several faculty pieces, and she also earned a scholarship and second round agency audition for 411 South in Atlanta!
Which brings me to my next point...
The DHDF experience didn't end with the classes. Attendees also had the opportunity to audition for 411 South, they could attend the Friday night freestyle event, and they could also perform in the Saturday night showcase held at the amazing Majestic Theatre in downtown Dallas.
DHDF's showcase, simply named "The Show", featured Hip-Hop dancers and companies from all over Texas showcasing their love of the art form or competing for a trophy as well as a year of bragging rights. There were performers from DFW areas like Plano and Mesquite, several companies from my hometown, Houston, and even a few from San Antonio. What's even more, the companies didn't come alone. They brought their families and fans with them, which created an energetic, supportive, and diverse audience for this jam packed show.
As staff member Joy Hawkins noted, there is "real talent in Dallas", and DHDF is a great "opportunity for dancers to be seen and for choreographers to see" what Texas has to offer. I couldn't agree more, because as you can see, Texas has plenty to offer indeed.
In fact, from great classes, to opportunities for professional advancement, to awesome performance opportunities, DHDF is something that every Hip-Hop head should experience, and it's exactly the type of Hip-Hop event that the media needs to scream about from the mountaintops. It holds true to community, passion, and diversity, the values it boldly states on its homepage.
I thoroughly enjoyed my time at the Dallas Hip-Hop Fest this year. It was yet another reminder of why I fell in love with Hip-Hop in the first place. I look forward to watching the event grow and continue to positively impact lives for years to come.
Want more tips and ideas like this? Click the button below, and you’ll get a FREE copy of my Success Starter Kit, plus regular insight and inspiration sent directly to your inbox.
