Contributed by: Andy Lee

Last month we held our first Hip-Hop workshop, hosted by our very own Kelly Riccardi! “Break the Beat” united a vibrant community to celebrate hip-hop culture and promote social inclusion. The event was filled with lively beats, inspiring talks and impressive performances that brought people together.

 

The workshop showcased the four essential elements of hip-hop: DJing, breakdancing, rapping, and graffiti. Each element infused the event with unique energy and creativity, making the experience truly unforgettable. Here’s how each contributed to the magic of the day:

DJ Tutorial with DJ Ted-D: From mixing and scratching techniques to the evolution of DJ’ing itself, attendees discovered how this essential element of hip-hop blends creativity with technical skill, gaining hands-on experiences to understand the magic behind the turntable and the mixer.

 

Breaking with Josh Cameron: The attendees experienced the thrill of breakdancing with Josh Cameron, who showcased stunning moves and taught the fundamentals of this high-energy dance style. With influences from martial arts, social dance, and gymnastics, breaking offers endless possibilities for personal expression. Participants explored how this Olympic debutant dance form allows for creativity and individuality.

 

Rapping Workshop with Ndidi Cascade: Rapper Ndidi took the crowd on a deep dive into the realm of freestyle rapping and lyrical artistry. Participants learned the craft of creating rhymes and discovered the powerful storytelling that makes rap music a global phenomenon. Ndidi’s workshop opened up the world of rap, showing how it captures the essence of hip-hop culture.

 

Graffiti Art with Dedos Thenomad: Artist Dedos introduced the vibrant world of graffiti to the crowd, sharing the journey of this once-controversial art form. From its humble beginnings to its status as a celebrated creative outlet, participants got hands-on experience in graffiti drawing. Through Dedos, they discovered how this visual expression is deeply connected to the spirit of hip-hop culture.

 

These four tutorials offered a fun, hands-on experience that everyone enjoyed, bringing people together while inspiring confidence and creativity. Participants shared great feedback, expressing their appreciation for the interactive workshop and the opportunity to learn new skills.

 

Photo highlights

This Workshop was a testament to the power of community and the joy of learning. We look forward to hosting similar events in the future and continuing to promote inclusivity and creativity through the arts and culture.