With the first semester coming to an end, members of Carlmont’s hip-hop club took their first steps towards planning the Heritage Fair.
A lively atmosphere filled the dance studio as the group gathered to learn their first section of choreography, build strong bonds, and socialize.
Although the club experienced a late start due to changes regarding their advisor and practice space, they jumped right into a vigorous portion of the dance.
“They were all very eager to get the club started up this year. I’m expecting that they will provide a safe space for students, and I want them to be able to have this creative outlet where they can continue to practice what they love,” said Matthew Lubesma, the club advisor.
The success of last year’s performance in the Heritage Fair attracted several new members. Among them is sophomore Riley Baum, who is unfamiliar to this style of dance but eager to learn.
“I saw them performing at the assembly last year, and I thought it was really cool because they brought in a huge group of people that were spread out across the entire gym,” Baum said. “It was great because there were people of all ages and backgrounds.”
Baum’s reasons for joining the club are aligned precisely with what President Carly Ramirez originally started the club for. According to Ramirez, expanding the club is the first hurdle to overcome. Once there are enough members participating, there is a higher potential for a successful performance at the Heritage Fair.
“This year, my goal is not only to expand but to also improve the dancing abilities of everyone here. I want to spread hip-hop to other people so that we can have fun together and dance,” Ramirez said.
Dancing may be fun, but it is also challenging. Starting so late in the school year presents a hefty challenge: remembering the choreography over the two and a half week break.
“I usually try to pay very close attention when the choreography is being taught. Then, I film it while I’m in the dance studio, so I know what it looks like. This way I can go home and practice it later,” Ramirez said.
Other members have similar ideas when asked about the different ways they remember choreography.
According to sophomore Catherine Chen, a regular member of the hip-hop club, it is vital to connect with the tone of the dance in order to practice it properly outside of the studio.
“I try to pick up on the little tips and tricks that the teacher tells us to do, and listen closely so that I know what the dance looks and feels like. That way, the mood of the dance is already in my head when I go to practice it at home,” Chen said.
Whether it’s taking videos or merely feeling the tone of the dance, members of the hip-hop club are ready to go into the winter break with their heads full of new rhythms and movements to practice.
