April 21, 2006

Evergreen SchoolScene

Hip Hop 360 Meets Montgomery Elementary

As the hour approached, 7 p.m. on April 6, the excitement began to increase, as 18 sixth graders prepared to display their newfound dance moves for their parents and peers.

The “Masters of Montgomery,” a group of 18 sixth graders at Montgomery Elementary School, found an outlet for their collective creative expression by learning new dance moves from Hip Hop 360, an after school program that gives elementary and middle school students the opportunity to express themselves through various artistic avenues.

It was show time at Montgomery Elementary for Hip Hop 360’s after school break dance class.

After nine weeks of intense instruction by two Hip Hop 360 instructors, all 18 students were now prepared. Parents sat in the school cafeteria anticipating their child’s performance. Students were waiting outside the cafeteria eager to show their parents all their hard work.

When the clock struck 7 p.m., all 18 students, now known as the “Masters of Montgomery,” danced with an intensity that moved the entire audience. With the music of James Brown in the background, the students’ energy increased after each solo performance. When the show was finally over, everybody in the school cafeteria gave the “Masters of Montgomery” a standing ovation.

This extraordinary evening was only made possible because of one first year teacher at Montgomery Elementary.

Sixth grade teacher, Howard Chan, wanted to bring an after school program to his students that would allow for creative expression. He did some research and discovered an innovative after-school program, called Hip Hop 360.

Hip Hop 360 is an after school program that gives elementary and middle school students the opportunity to express themselves through various artistic avenues. The program primarily offers four classes: urban art, dance, deejay-ing, and lyricism. Mr. Chan contacted program manager Gilbert Chaidez and coordinator Demone Carter, and the program was exactly what Chan had been looking for.

With the approval of the school principal, Kelly Johnson, the after-school break dance class started on February 14, with a total of 18 energetic sixth graders. Over the nine weeks of class, the students were introduced to the culture of break dancing and were taught foundation moves. According to sixth grader Gorav, the class was “a fun experience.”

All 18 students were new to the concepts of break dancing, but were thrilled to learn. Every week, the students attended the after school class and their progress was rapid.

When it was time to perform after the ninth week, the students were confident with their new knowledge. According to Johnson, “this was a diverse and dynamic group of students who were brought together for a common goal - unity through dance and art. It was exactly what our students needed and I look forward to working with Hip-Hop 360 next year.”

Chan also was impressed with the end results of the class.

“I was moved to watch my students participate in an after school activity with so much passion,” he said. “Hip Hop 360 brought new energy and excitement to our school.”

For more information on Hip Hop 360, call Unity Care Group at (408) 971-9822.