1. HIP-HOP DANCE AS A CREATIVE MEANS OF SELF-EXPRESSION 26 th World Congress on Dance Research RAPPROCHEMENT OF CULTURES Edmunds Veizāns REPORT 14.07.2010.

2. INTRODUCTION Hip-hop filozofija: Idea: Peace, Love, unity & having fun. Initially: “blacks“, the poor, those who thought alternatively, those were not understood, and those who were socially excluded Today: hip-hop culture dominates as a large industry in the world of entertainment and commerce.

3. The main elements of Hip Hop culture are known as: MC'ing (Rapping), DJ'ing, Grafitty (writing, Aerosol Art), several dance forms (which include Breaking, Up- Rocking, Popping, Locking, Hip-hop dance, House) KNOWLEDGE - the element which holds the rest together Vocal Percussion/Beat Boxing, Fashion, etc. creative contributions in music, dance, art, poetry, and fashion.

4. AIM OF THE ARTICLE The aim of this article is to activate one of the hip-hop culture elements – dance – and to reveal dance as a means of creative self-expression. To activate those expression forms of hip- hop culture dance which allows a creative expression of the personality.

5. MATERIALS AND METHODS Literature analysis on hip-hop culture, philosophy, music and dance. Experience analysis in events in which hip-hop dance is used. Analysis of pedagogical experience

6. Results / Rezultāti Hip-hop dance can be: both a dramatized stage performance, a competition form of performance in a gym, a performance of an entertaining character in a club, on the street for the passersby ( the most popular places for such performances is in Old Riga next to McDonalds across Hotel de Rome ) Dance battle (one by one)

7. Events in which contemporary hip-hop dancers have the chance to express themselves: World Breakdance Championship – BOTY “Battle of the Year“ International Street dance competition – Juste De bout, France, hip-hop dance competitions organized by IDO (International Dance Organization) Riga Open – Eastern Europe streetdance Cup, has taken place in Riga since 2006. Latvian Streetdance Championship, has taken place since 2004. Various Latvian hip-hop dance culture events that have taken place since 1991.

8. Means of personality expression used in hip-hop dance: Self-expression as dramatics, mimicry and jokes. The use of space and tactics as a creative self- expression, Self-expression in the interaction with the audience, the judges and the competitors Use of clothing and accessories. Activity outside the stage and attraction of attention Negative ways of self-expression in hip-hop dance Negative self-expression – the creative process and plagiarism Spontaneous movement, personal safety and safety of others

9. LIST OF LITERATURE Chang, J. (2005) Can't Stop Won't Stop: A History of the Hip-Hop Generation. New York: Picador/St.Martin`s Press, 546 p. Cobb, W.J. (2007) To the Break of Dawn: A Freestyle on the Hip-Hop Aesthetic. New York & London: New York University Press, 200 p. Darby, D., Shelby, T. (2005) Hip-Hop and Philosophy: Rhyme 2 Reason. Chicago and La Salle, Illinois: Open Court, 233 p. Hill Collins, P. (2006) From Black Power to Hip Hop: Racism, Nationalism, and Feminism. Philadelphia: Temple University Press, Hooks, B. (2003) Teaching Community: A Pedagogy of Hope. New York & London: Routledge, 199 lpp.

10. LIST OF LITERATURE Spalva R. (2004). Tēls un dejas kompozīcija. Rīga: RaKa, 61 p. Bambaataa, A. (1974) Hip-hop history. http://www.zulunation.com/hip_hop_history_2.htm http://www.zulunation.com/hip_hop_history_2.htm Bērziņš, G. (2008) Pāris vārdos. Rīga: Filmu studija Trīs palmas. http://hhradio.lv/video/filma_par_latviesu_hip-hopu-paris_vardos http://hhradio.lv/video/filma_par_latviesu_hip-hopu-paris_vardos History of BOTY. (2008). From http://www.battleoftheyear.de/about/history.html http://www.battleoftheyear.de/about/history.html IDO Rulzz. (2008). From http://jkbserv.de/ceis/ido_html//rules/competitionRules/danceSportRules. pdf http://jkbserv.de/ceis/ido_html//rules/competitionRules/danceSportRules. pdf Juste de bout. (2008). From http://www.juste-debout.com/index.phphttp://www.juste-debout.com/index.php Tezaurs.lv terminu skaidrojošā vārdnīca (2010) http://www.tezaurs.lv/sv/

11. Conclusions / Kopējais secinājums In the various forms of hip-hop dance the self-expression of the personality is characterized by creativity and individuality, a necessity for self- actualization, dance of a rebellious character, a society protest and a breaking of existing stereotypes. Thank you!