Inside the A2 room, on Thursday, September 4th at 4 pm, the Los Altos dance department hosted tryouts for the new Hip-Hop class, allowing dancers to learn moves by African-Americans and Latinos.
With this new elective, Los Altos will be the first school in the Hacienda La Puente Unified School District to host a class designated for Hip-Hop.
Jamie Guardado, a sophomore, said ‘’I love to dance and be able to dance more, and favorite dancing genre is Hip-hop, and being able to have this class, will allow me to express myself.’’
The origins of Hip-Hop started in the South Bronx in the 70’s, where most people had limited opportunities and neglect. Block parties in the Bronx allowed for Hip-Hop to be born.
Jamie Guardado said ‘I think the most exciting part is the new techniques and exploring more hip-hop in general.’’
The elements of Hip-Hop dancing include breaking, popping, locking, krumping, and Uprock. With these Hip-Hop elements, the people of New York were able to express themselves more freely.
Hip-Hop does not only include dancing, but it also includes DJing, MCing (rapping), B-boying/B-girling (break dancing), and graffiti art.
Kayonna Corrales, a sophomore said with this Hip-Hop class, she will ‘’Learn more about my strength and learn about what I can do and can’t.’’
Hip-hop dances are usually performed to the music genre of it. Los Altos Dancers will be performing their hip-hop routines with the corresponding genre.
Jamie Guardado said, ‘’The fast pace of songs and having to adapt to the songs are the most challenging part.’’
With the rise of B-boying and B-girling, or nowadays called breakdancing, came the music genre of Hip-Hop. Famous artists of the genre include Drake, Kendrick Lamar, and Tupac.
Kayonna Corrales said, ‘’I want to perform CORTIS inside of this Hip-hop class.’’
CORTIS uses Hip-Hop inside their songs to show freedom of expression. Their first music video ‘’GO! shows the fun and freedom while creating music videos, one of the elements of Hip-Hop.
Hip-Hop also influences streetwear. Street-wear includes baggy oversized clothing, athletic wear, and luxury brands.
Students will likely be performing their Hip-Hop routines in these outfits. These outfits provide benefits for students, allowing for free movement in baggy clothing.
Jamie Guardado share her opinion on the clothing choices of Hip-hop, saying ‘’ I’m more free and comfortable with baggy clothes.’’
Hip-hop was able to simulate through social media, specifically apps like Tiktok, Instagram, and Youtube
All of these Social Media have similar things implemented in their apps, they are able to upload videos targeted to a certain audience.
With all of this technology, Hip-Hop managed to make its way to Los Altos High School. Students will be able to learn all of the elements of dance and perform them in the winter and spring concerts.
Jamie Guardado said how Hip-hop will ‘Helps me to express myself more and in general, I love dancing, and this class will also help me to hang out with more people.’’
