A 50-year-old performance art is part of the learning at Jack Kemp Community School for two days this week.
The beats, bravery, and inclusive spirit of breakdancing and Hip-Hop culture tapped into the arts and physical education learning courtesy of Brandon Ganuelas via Dance Saskatchewan.
“I’m teaching them also that Hip-Hop is not just a dance, it’s not just the music. It’s a whole community and it’s a worldwide phenomenon.”
The Vancouver native of Filipino heritage works in Saskatoon full-time, but shares his passion for dance which he took up as a teenager living in Calgary.
Grade 5’s Jordan Bloch-Hansen says she enjoyed the class and will be including Hip-Hop in her dancing.
“I learned that Hip-Hop is a really fun movement and you get to express yourself. And there’s a support circle where people support you and they can’t bring you down.”
Another fifth grader who was able to bust a move was Trextzyn Flett.
“It was pretty fun. I got cheered on. I got to show myself and learn new things with my friends. I’m going to keep on doing it.”
School principal Elena Brand says they were able to apply for funding to host the two-day workshop and while she ticked off several boxes on the application, they are grateful for the opportunity and relish the impact the training is having on the students.
“We don’t really have a chance to have real experts come in to teach us dance. It’s part of the arts curriculum and it’s also part of the physical education curriculum. However, not many people have that level of expertise. So, when we had a chance to get a sponsorship through Dance Saskatchewan and a workshop leader, it was a great opportunity for our school.”
When it comes to inclusivity, Ganuelas shares how the art, dance, and deejay work bring a community together.
“The reason why I say it’s for the kids to include everybody is that we are not all the same. We are not built the same, we don’t look the same. That being said, it gives everybody a chance to be on an even playing field. That’s what it is.”
