Students revive true hip-hop

Richmond’s new hip-hop dance company, Fierce Elementz, and the new VCU Student Hip-Hop Organization (SHHO) are honoring the roots of the genre.

“Real hip-hop to me is about the roots,” said Fierce Elementz b-boy Bryan Song. “Hip-hop should be respected because it went international these past 20 years.”

Fierce Elementz blends different types of dance into one. The dance styles are b-boying, hip-hop and other freestyle forms of urban dance. B-boying is a style of dance that combines energetic footwork with tumbling and spins.

Hip-hop began with Kool DJ Herc in the early 1970s in the Bronx, N.Y. The style continued with artists such as Afrika Bambaataa, Run DMC, Grandmaster Flash and Public Enemy. Their music pushed for societal change.

Fierce Elementz performance at Black History Month celebration: Fri., Feb. 23, from 6 to 7 p.m. at the downtown YMCA.

The company’s movements are non-sexual to allow all-ages audiences to enjoy their performances. They strive to produce creative, non-stereotypical hip-hop dance moves.

Fierce Elementz dancer, freshman Alicia Seay, says stereotypes of hip-hop dancers, such as the perception that they’re predominately black, can be wrong.

“With a black girl, people automatically think there is booty shaking involved. I think that dancers limit themselves from performances and certain audiences,” Seay said.

She says the negative depiction of hip-hop culture in society may keep future generations from understanding the purpose behind it.

Hip-hop has four main elements: MCs, DJs, graffiti and b-boying. They have been used as outlets for city youth, to prevent street violence.

“Battling was used to get better, instead of negative aggression,” Song said. “We should represent what real hip-hop is and that it’s good.”

Fierce Elementz rehearses for community performances in the downtown YMCA on West Franklin Street. The company’s first Richmond performance will take place at a Black History Month celebration.

The event will celebrate the accomplishments of notable black historical figures and showcase the talents of local artists. Performances will include old-school b-boy dance, poetry readings and lyrical dance.

SHHO is another active organization with a purpose to connect VCU’s hip-hop community.

“This organization is heavily influenced by the true essence of hip-hop. There is no doubt about it,” said SHHO Vice President Arnold Yun. “It is a platform for our organization members to excel in their majors and to network through.”

SHHO will participate in events such as seminars, community service projects and discussions lead by prominent hip-hop figures. The organization plans to have parties to raise money for events and to make a VCU/Richmond hip-hop documentary.

Fierce Elementz is currently seeking dancers. They are holding an open audition on Fri., March 23, from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Stuart C. Siegel Center gym.

Non-VCU students are required to pay a $5 fee to enter the gym, but may audition without charge by requesting to do so at a different location.