Dancing in the Streets

Hip Hop Generation Next

Block Party 2009

Voices Behind the Moves

Celebrating the culture and spirit of Red Hook through dance

When

the people

of Red Hook

came to Coffey Park

to see the kids dance

They spoke with each other

and told stories

of what this day meant to them.

A place isn’t complete unless its filled with people. A park can be beautiful on its own. But when people gather in a park, it enhances its natural beauty.

On June 13th, 2009, people both from Red Hook, Brooklyn and all over came to enliven Coffey Park with thier energy and ideas about the future.

A park…

creates a place where anything can happen, at anytime.

A park is part of the city, yet it ignores the rules and order.

It’s like the landscape picks up the energy of whatever is going on.

Coffey Park is like its own little city that waits patiently and serenely for people to come give it breath.

As Coffey Park waited, it sensed the movement and rhythm of its people approaching.

Something big was happening.

The people

When the kids started performing, the community started cheering and the celebration of expression rang for miles and miles. Each and every person came out to contribute in thier own way. The day became a collection of passion and celebration.

The vibes

The party

The stage was like a vortex. Each talented youth dance troupe shook the ground from the stage to everyone in the audience and to the rest of Red Hook.

The charisma and energy of the youth flowed effortlessly. There was never a moment of silence or boredom, but of constant anticipation for the next dance. And hardly even the rain could stop the momentum.

The energy didn’t just come from the dancers. The crowd lifted spirits, whooped and hollered with love, and had a blast. Its always been there. But on this day, everyone and everything felt fresh and new, like it was happening for the first time.

Ill Style and Peace Productions leads the next generation of Hip Hop talent. Their presence was so fitting on a day where everyone came out to represent the beauty and future of Hip Hop and of Red Hook.

As the event came to an end, the movement of hip hop dance shifted to hugs, high fives and helping hands to clean up. Everyone took some of the energy from the day and brought it back to the streets and their homes.

The park, pleased, continues to wait for the next celebration. It won’t be waiting long.

Meanwhile, the kids are still dancing.

Credits

Sound recording and slideshow by Sarah Arrigo

Photographs by Emma Ko

Special Thanks to Mathew Heggem

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