Welcome to 21M.861 A.K.A “The Hip-Hop Class”

Course Description

This class will feature dance instruction for all levels, from beginners to the more experienced. Topics include the fundamental movements of Hip-Hop, foundational Hip-Hop dance vocabulary, exploration of musicality, learning how to listen and respond to the music, exploration of beats and polyrhythms, and more.

There will be open class discussions and lectures on topics such as race, history, tracing the roots of the culture back to West Africa using the concepts of community building and "cyphers", the breaking down of lyrics, and the exploration of gestures, mannerisms and how they shape aspects of the culture. Includes outside music exploration and videos. The course concludes with a collaborative final project and/or performance (decided by the class).

Hip-Hop is all about learning who you are and boldly bringing that to the table. NOTHING is more powerful than self-exploration, especially through Hip-Hop.

Course syllabus: Syllabus.docx

Class Time

Class: We will meet in W97-162 every Monday from 7 PM - 10 PM.

Lecture: 7 PM - 8:30 PM

Dance/Movement instruction: 8:30 PM - 10 PM

Office Hours: Weekly office hours will be held in W97-162 every Friday from 5 PM - 7:30 PM, or by appointment.

Course Staff

Instructor: McKersin (mckersin@mit.edu)