Unity Care’s Hip Hop 360 program is proud to kick-off its Safe Summer dance and urban art workshops to East Side San Jose youth ages 11 through 18. The eight week program is funded by the City of San Jose’s Safe Summer Initiative and the workshops will occur from June 15th through July 30, 2009 at the Alum Rock Youth Center located in east San Jose Monday through Thursday from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
At a time when California’s educational system is in a state of bankruptcy causing the elimination of creative arts programs, the economic downturn and rising gas prices burdening families and the increasing violence in East San Jose neighborhoods, the Summer Program offers children a chance to develop and enhance their creative expression skills while participating in safe and positive activities.
Two different types of creative arts workshops will be offered. The hour-long Urban Art course (1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. and is open to all youth ages 11 through 18), will introduce participants to visual arts and develop a students’ eyes for composition and color. Focusing on the theme of urban art, individuals will work together to design and create a mural utilizing pencils, markers, and/or paint, which will also incorporate elements of graphic design, street art-throwups, specialized lettering, and objects. Program participants will showcase their handwork during the celebration party at the completion of the program.
Additionally, Hip Hop 360’s highly popular breakdance course will be offered to Middle School (ages 11-13) 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.), and a High School youth (ages 14-17) 3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.). Participants will learn the basics of b-boying (breakdancing), and learn how this style of dancing contrasts with studio “hip hop dance.” Students will also learn the etiquette of b-boy battling and will be introduced to foundational moves such as top-rock, footwork, spins, and freezes. Participants will ultimately work together to create a choreographed routine, which they will perform at the completion celebration. Through break-dancing San Jose’s youth will engage in safe fun physical activity, learn new ways to express themselves and to collaboratively with peers.
The Summer Program also teaches character building assets such as goal setting and effective anger management and incorporates these components in with their creative work.
