In 2021, Congress proclaimed the month of November as National Hip Hop History Month. In its honor Renaissance Middle School students spent time exploring the many facets of hip hop culture within their dance curriculum led by Dance teacher Nina Lorusso.
Students learned elements of breaking and a number of social/party dances from the '80s-2000s as well as street styles such as voguing, waacking, and tutting. Students were taught about the five elements of Hip Hop Culture: MCing, DJing, Graffiti, Breaking, and Knowledge of Self. Class always began or ended in a cypher (or cipher) where students took turns freestyling in the center.
As a culminating activity, Renaissance hosted a Hip Hop House Party (pictured above) on Friday, December 2 giving students an opportunity to test out their newly developed skills in a social setting. Physical Education teacher Anthony Colon (also known as “DJ PaP”) performed on the turntables, while Lorusso orchestrated a large group cipher for all of the students and their family members that were in attendance.
Students were also treated to a surprise performance by Renaissance alumnus, Irie Williams, who is currently pursuing a career as a hip hop artist. "It was a wonderful night of great music, fun dancing, and coming together for the Renaissance family," said Principal Maria Francisco.