Step Up Style - Hip Hop Workshop

I hosted a dance workshop at the Waterford Public Library. It incorporated a dance sequence from the movie "Step Up", and was an event for all ages. There were 4 young ladies who participated ages ranged from 10 to 17. I have to thank librarian Emily Scherrer who also joined in the fun and supported the program. I was very relieved as it was my first time putting the program together that there was a small group. They kept me on my toes with many questions and a lot of energy.
On every table of the room, I filled it with books. I wanted the focus to still remain on how dance can benefit the library and reading. It shocked me how many books from Young Adult novels to children's stories had Hip Hop themes. I gave them a little info about a few of the books. Two of my favs were "Hip Hop Highschool" and "Hip Hop Speaks to Children". Check 'em out!

Now with the dancing, I started them off with an energetic warm up filled with isolations, stretches, simple steps, and crunches. We also did an 8 count across the floor which I could have explained better, and I completely forgot to have them do the routine the opposite direction. They all did a great job, and showed a lot of courage in trying the movement.
It has always been something I've struggled with, but I mumble a lot. In the workshop, I had some video taken of me, and I could definitely be a better dance facilitator if I just could figure out how to speak up! See I can talk a person's ear off, but when it comes to volume, I could improve upon my voice.
Now for the Step Up routine, it was a lot trickier than I thought because it was difficult to teach all the different facings in the dance along with a move that dealt with some cross lateral motions. It could have been clearer if I really broke down the parts, and I kinda went through them a little fast. I was impressed with how well they moved, and I would love to do the program again.
For pics of the event visit the Waterford Public Library Page on Facebook. Link below...
Hip Hop Workshop with Sandy Beneke
For the WPL Teen Blog check out this link, http://waterfordteens.blogspot.com/
And For just more news in general about WPL check out http://www.waterford.lib.wi.us/
It felt so good to share what I love with them, and see them come out of their shells a little and have fun!

THIS IS HOW WE DO IT!

This is what I do!
Well it is some of what I do...
I am a current dance student at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. It is an endeavor I am almost finished with as I will be graduating in December (I hope). It's a little scary, and I hope to be able to find work. Even as I am at an end of something that has been both stressful and exciting, it feels far more like a beginning. I'm starting as a fresh face with new ideas to hopefully aid me in my goal to be able to encourage people to get involved in dance.

I hope those who come upon this blog feel free to comment, and let me know their opinions. I want this page to help me document my community projects along with my thoughts on dance, art, and life.