Hip Hop Student Association at OSU

Hip Hop Student Association Spotlight

Edward Pham

Have you ever walked down a busy street to see cardboard spread across the cement with bodies flailing and flying around? Well, those moves you see each have their own names, from flares to windmills to head-spins. These moves come together to make up a form of hip hop dance called breakdancing – and there is an actual club here at Oregon State where you can learn about these crazy power moves as well as other aspects of hip hop culture!

The Hip Hop Student Association at Oregon State University (HHSA) wants you to know that breakdancing does not consist solely of power moves like windmills. There is toprock, footwork as well as holds plus, like any other dance form, musicality and personal style goes into each movement. Everyone may be able to pull off the same moves, but you can make it look like your own by tailoring the moves to fit your personality.

Members of HHSA have competed in various dance battles and performances held at OSU. You may have seen them in Cultural Night performances, “OSU Has Talent” or at this year’s dance battle, “Breakin’ Down the MU.” HHSA will be showcased this Saturday, April 28th at “Dance Against Hunger” being held Milam Auditorium. Organized by FeelGood at OSU, this event features dancers from around the state uniting together to fight against world hunger. Doors open at 6pm with all proceeds benefiting The Hunger Project. Currently HHSA is planning the first ever MU Quad Dance Cypher – a dance circle with loud music where everyone is welcome to jump in and show what they got – so look out for this in May.

Current meetings are held three days a week and consist of dance sessions – where people will come to practice and hone their skills for personal gain, future performances, or jams. Any student with a desire to join this organization is welcome to come to these sessions. All skill levels are welcome, from knowing absolutely nothing to the more advanced dancers. For those just coming into the scene, there are current members who can teach and assist in the development of these skills.

HHSA is here to build the hip hop community and provide an outlet for students to express themselves in any form of hip hop whether it be dance, art, or music. While current expertise lies in breakdancing, HHSA is actively seeking individuals with interest in developing the artistic and musical aspects of hip hop. If interested in leading in these areas or simply want more information on dance sessions – including location and times – check out their Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/osuhhsa. Any additional information about the Hip Hop Student Association at OSU email at hiphop@oregonstate.edu.