hip hop generation next 2009 block party
DESCRIPTION
park hook coffey hip in streets red the dancing brooklyn hopTRANSCRIPT
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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