Our Mission
At the intersection of hip-hop dance and expeditionary learning, we instill a crew culture that initiates and strengthens enduring relationships to prepare young people to navigate the world.
Community Issues
80%of Baltimore City students do not participate in an after school or summer program.
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69%of Baltimore City students graduate from high school.
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85%of Baltimore City students qualify for free or reduced lunch.
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Our Response
Bring Hip-Hop Dance to Students
Hip-hop dance is both the hook and the vehicle for social change. It initiates relationships, provides an outlet for expression, and is a fun and healthy activity. We believe every student deserves high quality arts experiences. |
Provide Academic AccountabilityOur students are motivated to perform and are expected to meeting specific school attendance, behavior, or coursework requirements. Mentors and volunteers provide students with academic support to ensure every student can graduate high school and complete a college degree. |
Create Career Mentorship OpportunitiesFrom scientists to engineers, working professionals to join an adult hip-hop dance team and provide students career mentorship. Using the 21st century skills framework, our programming integrates opportunities that prepare students with the skills needed to succeed in the workforce. |
Raise Social Capital
Hip-hop dance is the perfect tool to initiate relationships that raise social capital because it reaches audiences of all races and socioeconomic backgrounds. Our programs connect students with collegiate dancers and young professionals and help students gain access to social resources that will help them navigate the world.
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Why Hip-Hop Dance?
Students in low-income neighborhoods with little to no arts engagement are five times more likely to drop out.
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High school students with arts programing are three times more likely to earn a Bachelor's degree.
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Low-income students who are engaged in the arts are twice as likely to graduate college.
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"Hip-Hop emerged from stark societal situations of racism, classism, and ageism to forge a culture of improvisation and the audacity to believe one can do things never done before."
Sam Seidel
Hip-Hop Genius