class highlight: beginner hip hop with emerald

Tuesdays @ 7pm @ 812 Chestnut 

This class is designed for adults with limited or zero knowledge of Hip Hop dance, but have some sense of direction, balance, and coordination. The class begins with going through some very simple Hip Hop grooves and social dances. New moves and grooves are introduced periodically depending on the growth of the consistent participants. The class then moves to creating a simple choreography pattern to show how you can peice moves and grooves together in seamless transitions. Those that take this class for the first time may find challenges in rhythm or being comfortable in some of the foundation that is introduced. This is a very normal experience for beginners. The only way to get the most out of this class is to attend consistently, work on the foundation in your free time, and be patient.

Learn more about Emerald and what to expect from her class below!

Check out Emerald in Action

Learn more about Emerald & her Hip Hop class!

-When did you start dancing/ how did you get involved in dance?

I started dancing when I was about five years old. My family is filled with dancers so I always admired them and tried to copy them, but a community member of my church opened a dance company and that's where I got started.

-What is your training background?

I actually started out praise dancing with my church and that was mostly contemporary movement. I did that for many years but I was also training in ballet, jazz, modern, and tap. I took hip hop classes, but I mostly learned hip hop from watching others and going to events with my family. Hip hop became my main focus for a minute. When I got to college, that's when I knew I wanted to take dance seriously. After college, I started to explore other styles like house and waacking, taking as many classes as possible! I am currently training with the Creative Reaction Dance Studio.

-How do you go about creating choreo for your classes? What inspires you? What music do you like to use?

I have a whole playlist of songs that I want to make potential choreography for! But sometimes when I randomly hear a song, the choreo falls into place and I just go with it! I draw a lot of inspiration from my peers and mentors because they all bring something so unique to the table and encourage me to level up in my movement or think about my approach differently. I've been in my Drake bag recently when it comes to music, but I've also been tapping into the UK rap scene!

-What do you want folks who take your class to take away from your class? And/or what kind of vibe do you hope to cultivate in your classes?

So far, I have been focusing on grooves and party/social dances, with the goal of cultivating a party atmosphere. I want folks to explore what it means to move with swag in my class. I use the word "swag" a lot but I feel like it's the best way to describe how this certain type of music or movement should make you feel. Of course, some things we learn from being out in the club or parties, but I want everyone to feel supported while finding themselves in their movement; I will always gas folks because that's the energy we need to bring to class!

Thanks Emerald!

You can sign up for Beginner Hip Hop with Emerald via the 812 Chestnut Schedule page here using a drop in, membership, intro month, or class card pack!