Hip-Hop Don't Stop

"All right people, I want to see you work. I want to see you sweat," said Tamar, the tall and perfectly toned hip-hop instructor.

It was my first day back in a hip-hop class after a three-year hiatus, and I had forgotten how much effort it took to be in one of those classes. For the first half hour, Tamar went over six different eight counts, and had us practice all the steps. First we tried it while counting out the steps without music, and then we practiced dancing to fairly slow, mellow tunes. But, for the rest of the class, the next 45 minutes, we did nothing but practice all the steps to different songs. There were no breaks, only more hip hop songs.

"You all right there?" Tamar said, looking at me. I was huffing and puffing and having some painful menstrual cramps, but I was determined not to give up. I was going to make it through the full hour and fifteen minute session. Plus, cramping aside, I was having fun. It reminded me of when I used to dance regularly.

For ten years, my mother made me take ballet classes. At first, I really liked them, but as I got older I found the techniques to be too rigid for me. So, when I was thirteen, I decided to switch to a different type of dancing: hip-hop. And I loved it. I learned how to be fluid but also tight, and I even learned a few basic break dance moves. In my first year of college I briefly joined a hip-hop dance team, but unfortunately I had to drop out because school and my job took all of my time.

But then I learned about Tamar's classes. Tamar teaches weekly classes that anyone can drop in, anytime. It was perfect for me; so energetic, and a great workout. Every time I go, I leave class with a big smile on my face because I'm feeling good about myself. Hip-hop allows me get in shape and express myself, and it is one of the most fun forms of dance. Now I just need to learn how to go to class regularly.