Ballet is elegant and beautiful. The most difficult movements are executed effortlessly by those who have dedicated years of their lives perfecting this craft. Renowned dance instructor Homer Hans Bryant married this dedication to innovation and created “rap ballet,” which has since morphed into an art form called Hiplet (pronounced hip-lay), and it is taking the world by storm. A video of Hiplet was released last year; it went viral and now has over 500 million views.
Hiplet is a fusion of traditional ballet and hip hop movements. It’s fluid and soulful. Recently, the Chicago Multi-Cultural Dance Center held its benefit performance tilted “Because We Can” at the Museum of Science and Industry in Chicago. The performances were upbeat and complex. The dancers, who are all in their teens, display a discipline and maturity that surpasses their years on Earth. “At CMDC we believe in dance discipline and determination.” said Homer Hans Bryant.
The Chicago Multi-Cultural Dance Center was founded in 1990 by Homer Hans Bryant, former principal dancer with the Dance Theatre of Harlem. The students live by the motto, “The fun is in the discipline and the discipline is in the fun.” The recent performance featuring the Hiplet ballerinas was transformative and moving.
Find out more about the CMDC at the websites www.cmdcschool.org and hipletballerinas.com
Take a look at a few of the pictures from the event below.
