The Peru Hip Hop Scene and Lessons from Henry Link
I’ve always wanted to learn how to dance. I’ve also always known that I’m not very good at dancing. I’m clumsy and forgetful, which are the two qualities that work against learning choreography.
My most recent adventure involved the Peru hip hop scene in Lima. I was a spectator at a 2-day hip hop workshop in Lima led by Henry Link of the Elite Force Crew who is considered one of the founders of freestyle hip hop. I was lucky enough to be able sit in and even ask a question the second evening:
Do you think someone can learn how to dance hip hop even if they don’t have the rhythm and attitude?
Link’s answer was a resounding and eloquent “Yes.” To summarize, he believes that rhythm can be learned through practice, and attitude is expressed through understanding how music is meant to make others feel. In response to another question, he went to explain that once you learn a dance move, it’s yours. It’s not about perfect imitation because he’ll look around the dance room and even admire how others do his move in a slightly different way.
So I’m back to my lofty dreams. I liked it here in the clouds anyway.
Tags: dance workshop, henry link, hip hop workshop, lima hip hop, peru hip hop
Pepper Tan
It’s lofty dreams which keep us working hard. Imagine if we had no goals to challenge us… I’d love to go hiphop dancing! The last time I did that was in college…years ago.
Samantha Bangayan
No wayy!! =) Very cool to imagine you a hip-hopper, Pepper. And thanks for the encouragement. =)
Abe Palmer
I was recently offer a promotion to a position I have held several time with other companies but would have been a great accomplishment to achieve with the company I am with now. Senior management was very encouraging, my wife was very encouraging. But in order for me to achieve my dream it would mean my wife would have to lose hers. We both work for the same company and would have to relocate for me to be promoted. There would be no position for her to fill at the location we would transfer to so she would have to leave the company she has worked for and managed at for 19 years. As much as I would have loved to achieve my dream to be promoted I wasn’t willing to burst the dream she is already earned. I turned the promotion down.
Samantha Bangayan
You did?! Abe, you have such a big heart. That’s such an important component to dreaming, sharing and encouraging the dreams of our loved ones. Dreams then combine and grow together. I imagine that you didn’t feel like turning down the promotion was much of a loss knowing how it would maintain your wife’s dream. Just beautiful. =)
Adriene
I’ve had a lofty dream of widespread recognition as a writer, which may or may not happen. But I’m grateful for the limited recognition! Besides, it’s one of those things I’ll do regardless because of the personal satisfaction. So keep on going, Sam! It sounds like fun and something you enjoy. I believe practice can only help us get better! 🙂
Samantha Bangayan
You are *already* a widely recognized writer, Adriene! =) I continually look up to you and how you’ve established yourself in the writing world. Thanks so much for the support and you keep at it too, friend. =)
Vinny T
While people, on occasion, have encouraged me to dream, this has really been the exception rather than the rule. Fortunately, I’ve had many dreams throughout my life that I’ve been able to realize through internal motivation and willpower. My latest dream is to write another novel. I’m hoping that I can muster the internal energy to realize that latest dream
Samantha Bangayan
Your comment had me reflecting on my own personal experiences and I think I’ve had a bit of both — encouragement from others and internal motivation. I’m super excited to have the opportunity to read another novel of yours, Vinny! Can’t wait! =)