NEW
YORK (www.chosendance.com) February is
Black History Month and an
opportunity to recognize the impact African Americans have made to
society. On Saturday, the University of Pennsylvania Museum of
Archeology and Anthropology hosted African Cultures Day, where the
African American MBA Association of the Wharton School of Business
invited Philadelphia-based Chosen Dance Company to present the
'Anthology of Hip Hop Dance' to a crowd diverse in age, race and
gender. In an era where Hip Hop has increasingly found associations
with drugs, sex, and violence, Chosen is trying to bring a new look to
Hip Hop culture. Chosen presented Hip Hop in its purest form, taking
the audience back to early 1970's and 80's Hip Hop dance, when break
dancing on city streets, crazy head-spins in alleyways, and funky
movements to beat music were commonplace. With old school Hip Hop music
reverberating off the Ancient Egyptian museum artifacts, an audience
well over one hundred twenty-five people packed tightly as Hip Hop
dance star and Chosen founder Clyde Evans, Jr. and his seven dancers
took them through a choreographed Hip Hop dance evolution including
moves of Lockin', Poppin', Breakin', Hip Hop, and House.
Those
in attendance had the opportunity to witness cutting-edge Hip Hop dance
that Penn Museum of Archeology and Anthropology Special Events
Assistant Bethany Schell described as "engaging" and "extremely
professional". Chosen performances historically incorporate a classical
format, one that has thrilled audiences ranging from the X-Games VIII
in Philadelphia to the infamous Adelaide Festival of Arts in Australia.
Their performance on Saturday was no different. An invigorated audience
clapped along Chosen dance and jaws dropped as Clyde Evans, Jr.
performed adventurous and athletic dance moves. One move, in
particular, is so daring that it is referred to as the "suicide". He
also showcased a solo dance called "animation", where his distinct
bodily movements created an illusion of slow-motion, as if someone hit
the slow-motion button on the VCR. "It looked like he was caught in a
strobe light. It was intense", explained Bethany Schell. Parents in
attendance gave their children an opportunity to witness Hip Hop dance
as a true art form, while bringing back memories of their own
childhoods. "I was very impressed with the educational and
child-friendly aspect of Chosen's program," said Mildr� Wampler of
Willow Grove, PA. "It brought me back to my own childhood. My son asked
if I had ever 'done this dance' and when I said 'yes', all of a sudden
he thought I was a lot cooler! This was a great event."
Atop
the cultural education and entertainment, the audience was moved by
Chosen's mission of respect and love. At the close of the performance,
all in attendance stood united and reiterated aloud the words of Clyde
Evans, Jr. and Chosen Dance: "Love and respect equals peace for
everyone". With those words echoing in a tightly packed room, it was
obvious that the audience had shared more than innovative dance, smiles
and laughs. They shared a common hope for the future. This hope is one
Chosen has brought to lectures and demonstrations with school children
world-wide, presenting a positive way to enjoy Hip Hop culture while
relaying a message rich in concepts of self-expression, anti-violence,
and positive attitudes. Chosen has upcoming lectures and demonstrations
at Stetson Middle School in West Chester, PA (February 25) and Keswick
Theater in Philadelphia, PA (February 22 through 24).
Chosen is
re-defining Hip Hop, both in practice and in image. With more and more
associations with negativity, Hip Hop culture is in need of a new face.
Chosen Dance Founder and professional choreographer/dancer, Clyde
Evans, Jr. aims to take Hip Hop dance to the same level of art and
cultural appreciation as jazz, tap, ballet and other classical arts. If
Chosen's performance this weekend is any indication, Hip Hop dance is
well on its way toward becoming a classical art form.
For more information on Chosen Dance Company, visit
https://www.chosendance.com.
