Hip-Hop Dance and Environmental Risks

Hip-Hop Dance

• Originated in the Bronx, New York City in the 1970s
• Four key elements: DJing, MCing (rapping), breakdancing, graffiti art
• Street dance is a broad term for various urban dance styles
• Key styles include breakdancing (B-boying/B-girling), locking, popping, hip-hop dance, house dance
• Characteristics of hip-hop/street dance: sharp, staccato movements; distinct body isolations; high energy, confident attitude
• Represents self-representation, cultural preservation, social commentary, particularly by marginalized urban communities in the U.S.
• Dancers often perform high-intensity routines involving prolonged physical exertion

Environmental Risks/Physical Conditions

• Overexertion:

  • Signs and symptoms: muscle cramps, excessive sweating, rapid heartbeat, nausea, dizziness, weakness, fatigue
  • Safety protocols: warm-up before activity, take small breaks, lift with proper posture, ask for help, use equipment to lift heavy objects, avoid carrying too much weight, and raise work tables to waist height.
  • First-aid procedure: rest, hydrate, cool down, monitor symptoms

• Hypothermia:

  • Signs and symptoms: shivering, slurred speech, drowsiness, confusion, shallow breathing, lack of coordination, pale, cold skin
  • Safety protocols: wear warm, layered clothing, warm headwear, change into dry clothes if wet, find shelter
  • First-aid procedure: move to warm environment, remove wet clothing, use warm clothing/blankets/thermal blankets

• Hyperthermia:

  • Signs and symptoms: hot, dry skin (no sweating), rapid, strong pulse, headache, nausea, confusion, unconsciousness
  • Safety protocols: get person out of heat, lie down in shaded/air-conditioned area, bathe/sponge off with cool water, apply cold, wet cloths, offer fluids
  • First-aid procedure: prevent further complications like hypothermia or dehydration

• Dehydration:

  • Symptoms: thirst, dry mouth, dark yellow urine, headache, fatigue, dizziness, confusion
  • Safety protocols: drink water regularly before, during, and after exercise; monitor urine color (light yellow), weigh self before and after exercise, replace fluids lost, consume electrolyte-containing beverages/foods
  • First-aid procedure: move to cool area, provide small, frequent sips of cool water/electrolytes, seek medical attention for severe dehydration

Festival Dance

• Aliwan Festival: a major cultural event in the Philippines, showcasing diverse traditions from Luzon Island by way of floats, street dances, and performances
• Etiquette: expected behavior and conduct in festival dance.
• Festival measures: guidelines/precautions to prevent accidents or injuries during performances/practices
• Facilities and equipment: stage, sound system, lighting, seating, restrooms, first-aid station, security signage

Dance Event Planning

• Understand the purpose: Establish clear goals for the event (fitness, education, celebration); align activities with goals.
• Know your audience: Target specific audience; tailor activities to match interests.
• Select a venue: Make sure the size and facilities accommodate the audience.
• Choose a suitable time: Consider weather to prevent risks like hyperthermia/hypothermia/dehydration
• Draft a plan and follow the timeline: Create a detailed plan with deadlines, to avoid last-minute issues.
• Create content that attracts target audience: Develop content that aligns with audience interests; create a meaningful connection with participants
• Design the message: Articulate a compelling narrative using clear language.
• Lead capture mechanism: Promote event using school channels/social media to collect feedback and maintain engagement
• Committees: Research, M&E, Dance, Choreography, Music, Props, Backdrop, Costumes/Design, Props & Backdrop, Documentation, Venue, Communication, Program & Invitations, Security, Monitoring & Evaluation, Ushers

Explore the dynamic world of hip-hop dance, tracing its origins and key elements back to the Bronx in the 1970s. Learn about the various styles, characteristics, and the physical risks associated with high-intensity dance routines, including overexertion symptoms and safety protocols.