B-FunkyFresh Hip-Hop Jam

Event Type
Performance
Event Description

 

For the spring 2016 edition of its B-Series, a biannual mini-festival celebrating hip hop and street dance culture, The Dance Center of Columbia College Chicago partners with local and national dance artists and organizers for B-FunkyFresh, which delves into the 40-year legacy and relationship between Breakin’ and Poppin’, the dynamic duo of street dance culture. B-FunkyFresh, which takes place April 8 and 9 at The Dance Center, 1306 S. Michigan Ave., Chicago, features local, national and internationally recognized artists. All events are free and open to the public.
 
B-FunkyFresh spotlights tradition, shifting cultural landscapes, challenging conversations and exaltations through dance and hip hop culture. Activities include workshops, verbal cyphers and build-sessions (participatory “panel” discussions), performances, social dancing and open dance sessions and battles (a form of competition specific to hip hop and street dance culture). Breakin’ and Poppin’, arguably the most influential dance forms of hip hop and street dance culture, were born in the same era but with a distinct story and character, coming together in the ’80s, fighting for their independence in the ’90s and now reuniting in the all-styles post-millennial generation. This festival highlights their unique cultures, histories and aesthetics, while bringing practitioners together to build through knowledge, community, expression and fun.
 
“Whether you are a veteran street dancer who has won international titles or someone who has never set foot inside ‘the scene,’ we invite you to participate: rocking out to the infectious music from your proscenium seat, head-bobbing on the edge of a cypher where you can feel the heat and sweat of the dancers, grooving out in a corner with your friends during the open dance moments or throwing down in the center of the battles,” said The Dance Center Lecturer Kelsa Robinson, B-FunkyFresh co-curator and Venus Fly member.

 

 

 

Dance Styles
Hip Hop