based on subjects from The Comix Method: A Dance Certification Designed For
Hip Hop teachers.
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Perhaps what's most important to note is that I do not consider myself the guru of hip hop, or a master. However, I do believe that what I have is the right knowledge and experience. I have an extensive history with this art form. I've learned from it, been guided by it, and lived with it in my life daily for 20 years. I've performed and auditioned. I've choreographed and I've danced in videos. I've had my years of training under and conversing with people who lived within hip hop, and I use that information as my guiding force in my understanding of movement. I have trained dancers across this country and outside of the country. I am the director of an established dance company. I've taught classes of all sizes, levels, ages. This art form has saved me in important ways. As I always look for ways to repay hip hop, I dedicate time to helping people see it's history..& I direct them to others when I cannot provide an answer a student deserves. I am a full time artist and forever a student.
With all the experiences I've had and the understanding I've developed about both hip hop and the education process, I believe I have the proper method for you. I know what makes it hip hop and I understand what has to be done in dance studios. This entire course respects both of those thoughts. The program we make together will be one of authentic knowledge, structure, and artistic endeavors.
I created this training so that I could be part of the solution. If you are like many teachers or dance studio owners, you know that there is a lack of consistent information available for hip hop. Maybe you live in an area where there just isn't a ton of training for this sort of thing. While there are some wonderful hip hop teachers out there, there aren't enough to cover all the classes we offer around the world. No one wants to cut their hip hop program because they don't have a teacher ( or at least a reliable teacher ). What do you do? For starters, seek out that rare knowledge. This course is the exact kind of training you need to get the ball rolling.
This is your start.
Chances are, if you're on this page, I don't need to tell you what's missing already. Whether you're a teacher yourself, a street dancer, or a studio owner, There are many ways you can benefit from the training I offer.
Street Dancers-
I'm going to teach you all about the learning process. Class structure. Methods for teaching. We're going to work on how to speak the language of our students and inform. Not just "show". I'm especially interested in working with street dancers as I hope to see more and more learn about the education process so that their vast knowledge is given the opportunity to thrive in more dance environments. There are so many dancers out there who have far more knowledge than I do. Those who have lived through the history of this art form. Anyone who hasn't had the opportunity to learn education methods, I want to work with that. From this approach, I do much less in terms of teaching you terms & technique. Instead, we discuss what you know and how it can be best expressed in a range of learning environments.
Dance Teachers-
We're going to talk about all the terms and techniques behind hip hop and street styles. I'm going to show you where they come from and how they SHOULD influence your modern movement. You will know how to make hip hop without the influence of other styles. You will see the references I use and the places to go to dig even deeper into the history of the art form. Consider my work a bridge between your world and hip hop's world.
The Program
This course is the basis for the dance teacher certification (The Comix Method) that I developed. While there are core elements covered in every training seminar, your workshop can be modified to your own preference. It is strongly recommended that you choose at least a 4 hour course for the standard necessary information to be applied. Training can be adjusted and extended in a number of ways. 2 day courses cover much more terminology and allow an opportunity to be further observed and corrected with your new lessons. Choose any number of focus points from The Comix Method below:
Breakin ( B-boy, B-girl, Breakdance ) - Terminology, Technique, History
Hip Hop - Original Party Dances, Modernized Movement, Technique, History
Locking - Soul Dances, Terminology, Technique, History
Popping - Style Variations, Terminology, Technique, History
Rhythms - The importance of the "Bounce" and its various approaches
Discussion - Class Structure, Discipline, Choreography Approach, Tips
Discussion - The History of Hip Hop
Creative Movement - exercises to build on freestyle and choreography creation
Class Exercises - Games, Challenges, and other things to try with your students
Class Types - Approaching class based on age, size, gender
Want an in-person seminar or a private virtual training session for your studio? Scroll straight to the bottom for the inquiry form.
Certified Teachers Get It All!
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These training seminars have been running for over a decade! They are perfect for hitting specific subjects, prepping new teachers, and giving a strong overview of techniques and rules for a Hip Hop program. If you want to go further and get more in-depth training as well as countless resources, consider getting certified to access every single thing I offer teachers!
Judging hip hop
Judges,
Do you have trouble finding the words to critique hip hop at dance competitions? How would you like a crash course in terminology?
This course is a little different from my other hip hop courses. Warmups and education methods take a back seat and we focus on what we see in choreography. In this class, I will break down the structure of choreography in hip hop, breakdancing, popping, and locking numbers. I will teach you about the most important terms as well as proper posture & rhythms professional choreographers use.
Are you sure the dancers should be smiling in this section? Do you know what part of the body is responsible for rhythm in that piece? Is the repetition youre witnessing actually an integral part of the dance culture?
I'll answer all of these questions and many more as I help you understand what you're seeing. At the end of the course, you’ll be able to identify proper technique and give detailed critiques throughout the length of the entire hip hop production.
*While we will physically review movement, this class isnt specifically for hip hop dancers. Students of this class can opt to participate for example or simply analyze the movement discussed
Brand New!!
Live Video Training
To get live training without waiting for an in-person workshop, you can set up an appointment for video consultation. You get terminology, technique demonstrations, and of course corrections and tips on what you learn. You may request this sort of consultation for standard format workshops, or the training for competition judges. Fill out the form below and ask me about video training!
