I would love to see more explored about the topic of Hip-Hop/street dance being incorrectly presented (critically acclaimed) in the contemporary context. I feel the dance is losing its cultural significance and social connections because so many dancers who are not aware of the culture beyond basic movements and pop culture are creating “hip-hop theater” work. This is the formula:

*hip-hop music
*a few breaking moves
*hip-hop clothes
*put Theater after the word hip-hop so it’s legit

I think there is good work being done but those companies are not getting presented, funded, or visibility.
Michele
Ladies of Hip Hop Festival

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To You—who I think about all the time:

Jennifer Passios

A letter to my favorite student

In a dance studio with white walls, a light gray marley floor, and two large whiteboards along the back wall, situated above a double-stacked wooden ballet barre, eleven college students lay supine with their arms raised and legs parted in an “X” shape on the ground. They lay at different angles, breathing deeply, following the instructions of the teacher at the front of the room. The instructor, tD writer Jennifer Passios, faces the students. She wears a black Adidas jacket. Her hair falls in a half-up-half down updo as her arms reach skyward in the same “X” gesture that the students make on the ground.
Photo: Jacob Regan