Students at Creative Performing Media Arts Middle School (CPMA) have had an extremely unique opportunity this spring. Every Thursday after school students participated in an hour long hip hop class to foster peer interaction, providing experiential exposure and generating positive self esteem. Although CPMA is known for its creative arts program, what makes this after school experience unique is that most of the students are deaf or hard of hearing. The usual sound system is replaced by a large base amplifying speaker so students feel the music, if hearing it is not possible. Instruction is provided by a teacher for students who are Deaf and Hard of Hearing, and has additional background in teaching and performing hip hop. As well as visual modeling, teaching is supported with American Sign Language. This experience was made possible due to the Buchanan Parsons Trust & committee. Throughout the classes, students engaged in warm-up dance activities, learned current, popular dances, and practiced basic fundamental hip hop dance moves. The 10-week dance session culminated with a showcase presented to friends and family on Thursday, April 14. For more information on possible performances and/or additional footage, please contact Laura Turse at lturse@sandi.net.
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